ometimes ruffle the temper of a man
who has kept calm under fire of an enemy. "And where are all the clothes
that have been making these weeks and months past? What more preparation
does she need? Did the hussy take her wedding things with her? What's in
this trunk?"

"But those are Kate's things, father," said Marcia in gentle explanation.
"Kate would be very angry if I took her things. They were made for her,
you know."

"And what if they were made for her?" answered the father, very angry now
at Kate. "You are near of a size. What will do for one is good enough for
the other, and Kate may be angry and get over it, for not one rag of it
all will she get, nor a penny of my money will ever go to her again. She
is no daughter of mine from henceforth. That rascal has beaten me and
stolen my daughter, but he gets a dowerless lass. Not a penny will ever go
from the Schuyler estate into his pocket, and no trunk will ever travel
from here to Washington for that heartless girl. I forbid it. Let her feel
some of the sorrow she has inflicted upon others more innocent. I forbid
it, do you hear?" He brought his fist down upon the solid mahogany bureau
until the prisms on a candle-stand in front of the mirror jangled
discordantly.

"Oh, father!" gasped Marcia, and turned with terror to her stepmother. But
David stood with his back toward the rest looking out of the window. He
had forgotten them all.

Madam Schuyler was now in command again. For once the Squire had
anticipated his wife, and the next move had been planned without her help,
but it was as she would have it. Her face had lost its consternation and
beamed with satisfaction beneath its mask of grave perplexity. She could
not help it that she was glad to have the terrible ordeal of a wedding
without a bride changed into something less formidable.

At least the country round about could not pity, for who was to say but
that David was as well suited with one sister as with the other? And
Marcia was a good girl; doubtless she would grow into a good wife. Far
more suitable for so good and steady a man as David than pretty, imperious
Kate.

Madam Schuyler took her place of command once more and began to issue her
orders.

"Come, then, Marcia, we have no time to waste. It is all right, as your
father has said. Kate's things will fit you nicely and you must go at once
and put everything in readiness. You will want all your time to dress, and
pack a few things, and get ca