To Palomar he flew--told all that he
Had learned--laid the proof before them--described
The house where Cedric lived--told of the battle on
The dock--how Morales died--the bags of
Gold from Mexico. Thus aided, Cedric
Woke as from a dream, remembered all; then
Placing Zola’s hand in his, withdrew to
Be alone with sacred memories.
Hand
In hand the lovers blissful roved among
The crags and overhanging boughs where she
Had watched unseen, for him. Led him thro’ the
Brake, in forest solitudes, where lemon
Lilies nestling grow, and clinging vines
And nodding ceanothus plumes bedrape
The foliage in Nature’s millinery.
With love and kisses roamed until the day
When proudly and triumphant, Gilbert led
Them thro’ the avenues of spreading palms and
Vine-clad arches of the hacienda.
His mother welcomed her with tears of joy,
“Her daughter”--then met the fathers--met in
Glad surprise--for Cedric Vaughn and Homer
Lee stood face to face; again renewed the
Old time bonds of love and friendship made the
Stronger.
Then came another presence on
The scene. Radiant in the ripened bloom
Of womanhood--as beautiful as in
The happy days of old--came Dora Lee
To welcome Cedric Vaughn and Lola’s child.
On the Gilbert rancho (named for him), in the
Dreamy quiet of a summer eve, while
Softly chimed the distant mission bells,
At the hacienda, sweet Zola Vaughn
And Gilbert Lee were wed. And when the
Autumn came, and vine, and bough and field gave
Forth their richest fruitage, and falling leaves
Betokened ripeness--the sure reward
Of patient waiting--two faithful souls were
Joined as one. Again rang forth the silvery
Chime of wedding bells--old mission bells--that
Echoed from the gilded cross above its
Hoary walls, a benediction sweet as
Incense from its altars.
Long, long ago
Back to the happy scenes of youth they sailed,
And left the hidden cabin to decay.
* * * * *