stairway. Mark followed passively. On entering the chamber of Mr.
Lofton, they found him sleeping.

Both silently approached, and looked upon his venerable face,
composed in deep slumber. Tears came to the eyes of Mark as he gazed
at the countenance of his grandfather, and his heart became soft as
the heart of a child. While they yet stood looking at him, his lips
moved, and he uttered both their names. Then he seemed disturbed,
and moaned, as if in pain.

"Grandfather!" said Mark, taking the old man's hand, and bending
over him.

Quickly his eyes opened. For a few moments he gazed earnestly upon
Mark, and then tightened his hand upon that of the young man, closed
his eyes again, and murmured in a voice that deeply touched the
returning wanderer--

"My poor boy! My poor boy! Why did you do so? Why did you break my
heart? But, God be thanked, you are back again! God be thanked!"

"Jenny!" said the old man, quickly, as he felt her take his other
hand and press it to her lips. "And it was for this you left me!
Dear child, I forgive you!"

As he spoke, he drew her hand over towards the one that grasped that
of Mark, and uniting them together, murmured--

"If you love each other, it is all right. My blessing shall go with
you."