ance,
the sound of a bugle, the drum and the fife playing the "Star-Spangled
Banner," than which nothing could have been more appropriate.

As the boat disappeared and the music died away something of a lonely
feeling came over many of those left behind, and the guests not
related began to make their adieus and depart to their homes. But the
relatives tarried somewhat longer, chatting familiarly among
themselves and re-examining the many handsome bridal gifts.

"They have fared well," said Mrs. Betty Norton, Dr. Robert's sister,
"I am so glad for them both. I'm fond of my brother Bob, and well
pleased with the match he has made. And not less so with Dick's," she
added, turning with a smile to Maud, who stood at her side.

"Thank you, Betty," said Maud. "I was well pleased with the
relationship we held to each other before, and am glad it has been
made nearer. Though at first--when Dick proposed--I was afraid it--the
relationship--ought to be a bar to our union. However, he said it was
not near enough for that, and as he is a good physician I supposed he
knew--so did not say him nay," she added, with a laughing look up into
her husband's face as at that moment he drew near and stood at her
side.

"Ah, don't you wish you had?" he returned, laying a hand lightly on
her shoulder and giving her a very loverlike look and smile.

"I have serious objections to being questioned too closely," she said
laughingly; "and please to remember, sir, that I did not promise never
to have a secret from you even if you're my other--and perhaps better
half."

"Oh, I always understood it was the woman's privilege to be that," he
laughed; "and I certainly expect it of you, my dear."

"Why, how absurd in you!" she exclaimed. "With such a husband as mine
it would be utterly impossible for me to be the better half."

"But it is quite the thing for each to think the other is," said
Grandma Elsie, regarding them with an affectionate smile.

"A state of feeling that is certain to make both very happy," remarked
Captain Raymond, who happened to be standing near.

"As you and I know by experience," said Violet with a bright look up
into his face.

"Yes," said her cousin Betty, "and anybody who knows you two as well
as I do may see the exemplification of that doctrine in your lives. I
have always known that you were a decidedly happy couple."

"But needn't plume yourself very much on that discovery, Cousin
Betty," laughed Lucilla, "I thi