evidence of fluster and nervousness.

The rosy sunlight in the east was mixing the morning with fresher air, and
new odors for the new day that was dawning, when Marcia awoke. The sharp
click of spoons and dishes, the voices of the maids, the sizzle, sputter,
odor of frying ham and eggs, mingled with the early chorus of the birds,
and calling to life of all living creatures, like an intrusion upon
nature. It seemed not right to steal the morning's "quiet hour" thus
rudely. The thought flitted through the girl's mind, and in an instant
more the whole panorama of the day's excitement was before her, and she
sprang from her bed. As if it had been her own wedding day instead of her
sister's, she performed her dainty toilet, for though there was need for
haste, she knew she would have no further time beyond a moment to slip on
her best gown and smooth her hair.

Marcia hurried downstairs just as the bell rang for breakfast, and David,
coming down smiling behind her, patted her cheek and greeted her with,
"Well, little sister, you look as rested as if you had not done a thing
all day yesterday."

She smiled shyly back at him, and her heart filled with pleasure over his
new name for her. It sounded pleasantly from his happy lips. She was
conscious of a gladness that he was to be so nearly related to her. She
fancied how it would seem to say to Mary Ann: "My brother-in-law says so
and so." It would be grand to call such a man "brother."

They were all seated at the table but Kate, and Squire Schuyler waited
with pleasantly frowning brows to ask the blessing on the morning food.
Kate was often late. She was the only member of the family who dared to be
late to breakfast, and being the bride and the centre of the occasion more
leniency was granted her this morning than ever before. Madam Schuyler
waited until every one at the table was served to ham and eggs, coffee and
bread-and-butter, and steaming griddle cakes, before she said, looking
anxiously at the tall clock: "Marcia, perhaps you better go up and see if
your sister needs any help. She ought to be down by now. Uncle Joab and
Aunt Polly will be sure to be here by eight. She must have overslept, but
we made so much noise she is surely awake by this time."

Marcia left her half-eaten breakfast and went slowly upstairs. She knew
her sister would not welcome her, for she had often been sent on like
errands before, and the brunt of Kate's anger had fallen upon the hapless