The address on my card brought Gabrielle directly to my rooms, and when
I returned I found the lovers blissfully united, after only one day of
direst wretchedness. They rushed toward me as I entered and doubly
embraced me. I was the crowned hero--crowned with more praise than I
could well carry.
"How happy you have made us!" cried Gabrielle. "You cruel joker; but we
forgive you. Oh, you do not know--you can never know the service you
have performed this day. Our lives would have been ruined had you not
been here to manage this affair."
"Ben, I forgive you for writing those letters, now. You are the greatest
man that ever lived. George Washington couldn't class with you," said
Jim.
"Probably not," said I. "I certainly told many a good lie when I wrote
those letters. You set me on fire and saved me. I have done the same for
you."
Jim was radiant and rosy as in the old days. Gabrielle never looked more
beautiful. Wasn't I happy!
We talked it all over, and I laid a wager with them both that Mr.
Tescheron would repent that night to Gabrielle before she could tell him
of her definite plans. I did not tell them why I thought I was betting
on a sure thing.
I carried out telegrams of joy and summonses to the Gibsons and Hygeia.