to express his gratitude, but broke down at the
first words.

"Never mind," said the Captain, laughing. "Don't try to thank me. Your
father knows, of course?"

"Yes, sir. I spoke to him before I left Ottawa. He and all our family
are delighted with my choice."

"And when is it to be?" asked the Captain, still laughing.

"What?"

"The wedding, of course!"

M. La Touche's dark face reddened like a girl's. "I don't know, sir. We
have not come to that yet."

"Let me help you over the difficulty, then. Make it a double wedding."

"A double wedding?"

"Yes. My daughter Kate is to be married to Mr. Stanford on the fifth of
June. Why not make it a double match."

"With all my heart, sir, if Rose is willing!"

"Go and ask her then. But first, of course, after this, you remain with
us for some time?"

"I can stay a week or two; after that, business will compel me to
leave."

"Well, business must be attended to. Go, speak to Rose, and success to
you!"

Jules found Rose in the drawing-room, and alone. His face told how
eminently satisfactory his interview had been. He sat down beside her,
and related what had passed, ending with her father's proposal.

"Do say yes, Rose," pleaded Jules. "June is as long as I can wait, and I
should like a double wedding of all things."

Rose's face turned scarlet, and she averted her head. The familiar
announcement of Reginald's marriage to her sister, as a matter of
certainty, stung her to the heart.

"You don't object, Rose?" he said uneasily. "You will be married the
same day?"

"Settle it as you like," answered Rose petulantly. "If I must be
married, it doesn't much matter when."

That day, when the ladies were leaving the dinner-table, Captain Danton
arose.

"Wait one moment," he said; "I have a toast to propose before you go.
Fill your glasses and drink long life and prosperity to Mr. and Mrs.
Jules La Touche."

Every one but Grace was electrified, and Rose fairly ran out of the
room. M. La Touche made a modest little speech of thanks, and then Mr.
Stanford held the door open for the ladies to pass.

Rose was not in the drawing-room when they entered, and Kate ran up to
her room; but the door was locked, and Rose would not let her in.

"Go away, Kate," she said, almost passionately. "Go away and leave me
alone."

Rose kept her chamber all the evening, to the amazement of the rest. The
young Canadian was the lion of the hour, and bore his honours with that
ret