Leighton slowly, but
surely, improved; and, when winter softened into the balmy days of
spring, her health became fully restored.
We were married on the twentieth of May; and, as Willie had decided upon
England for our wedding tour, we sailed immediately after our marriage.
We returned to our home, in Philadelphia, in October.
We soon found ourselves permanently settled in our own home, to the
great joy of Mrs. O'Flaherty, who still retained her position as
house-keeper.
"Indade, me daar misthress," said she, "an' it's good to see yees at
home agin; for wasn't this the lonesom place whiles ye was absint."
Soon after our return, I mentioned the promise which I made long ago to
Aunt Patience, that if I ever should possess a home of my own, I would
receive her as an inmate of that home.
"I well remember," replied Willie, "the kind aunt who attended your
mother during her last illness, and I will gladly do my utmost to render
happy her declining years."
I had secretly felt some fears that my uncle might object to our
receiving Aunt Patience to our home. A short time after, I mentioned the
matter to my uncle, telling him of my mother's dying injunction to me,
that I should not neglect Aunt Patience in her old age.
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