Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/34

10 peep of morning, and closing only at the shut of day. He examined his accounts, closed with those to whom he owed money; and was red with shame, and shuddered at the wreck of fortune he had strewn upon so barren a strand, while such a woman as Julia would lay down her life for him, though ruined, and a beggar. In the course of one year he had gathered money enough from his former waste to provide for the present in splendour. So he went from Athens like a prince, with choice youth about him, with music and banners, followers, and horsemen habited in gold and silver apparel, bearing gifts; and, coming to Ravenna, he went to Julia's house, and embraced her father. When she came into the hall she wondered who this stranger might be; but when he fell at her feet, thanking her for his life, asked pardon for the past, and besought her hand, she shouted, and fainted in his arms.

They were married the next day, and lived only for each other; their happiness increasing with their wealth and family.