"Come, let me bless you my children," and the

Major's wife slipped a hand into one hand of each, and drew them closer. Robert's eyes lit up; his brave mouth was smiling quietly, while dimples broke out on Cherokee's face.

"I trust the dark is all behind, the light before, and that you are at the threshold of a great, enduring happiness—but remember that Time will touch you as your joy has done, but his fingers will weigh more heavily—it is then that you must cling all the closer."