Also, I
dare say that at the time, and possibly at other times, I said things
I should be sorry for if I could remember what they were, which I
can't, and if so, I apologise to you as a gentleman ought when he
finds himself in the wrong. And so I say God bless you both, and I
hope you will be happy in life together; and now come here, Ida, my
love, and give me a kiss. You have been a good daughter all your life,
and so Quaritch may be sure that you will be a good wife too."
Ida did as she was bid. Then she went over to her lover and took him
by his hand, and he kissed her on the forehead. And thus after all
their troubles they finally ratified the contract.
* * * * *
And we, who have followed them thus far, and have perhaps been a
little moved by their struggles, hopes, and fears, will surely not
grudge to re-echo the Squire's old-fashioned prayer, "God bless them
both."
God bless them both. Long may they live, and happily.
Long may they live, and for very long may their children's children of
the race, if not of the name of de la Molle, pass in and out through
the old Norman gateway and by the sturdy Norman towers. The Boisseys,
who built them, here had their habitation for six generations.
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