ntil the ocean is between us and papa. I suppose papa is
very angry; but where is the use? As long as Reginald marries one
of his daughters, I should think the particular one would be
immaterial.

I am sorry I cannot be present at your wedding, Grace; I give you
_carte blanche_ to wear all the pretty things made for Mrs. Jules
La Touche, if they will fit you. Tell poor Jules, when he comes,
that I am sorry; but I loved Reginald so much that I could not help
it. Isn't he divinely handsome, Grace? If he knew I was writing to
you, he would send his love, so take it for granted.

I should like to write more, but I am going on board in an hour.
Please tell Kate not to break her heart. It's of no use.

Give my regard to that obliging brother of yours. I like him very
much. Perhaps I may write to you from England if you will not be
disagreeable, and will answer. I should like to hear the news from
Canada and Danton Hall. Rapturously thine,

Rose Stanford.

[Grace Danton to Dr. Danton.]

Danton Hall, May 30.

Dear Frank:--"Man proposes--" You know the proverb, which
holds good in the case of women too. I know my prolonged silence
must have surprised you; but I have been so worried and anxious, of
late, that writing has become an impossibility. Danton Hall has
become a _maison de deuil_--a house of mourning indeed. I look back
as people look back on some dim, delightful dream to the days that
are gone, and wonder if indeed we were so merry and gay. The
silence of the grave reigns here now. The laughter, the music--all
the merry sounds of a happy household--have fled forever. A convent
of ascetic nuns could not be stiller, nor the holy sisterhood more
grave and sombre. Let me begin at the beginning, and relate events
as they occurred, if I can.

The day after I wrote you last brought the first event, in the
shape of a letter from Rose to myself. A more thoroughly selfish
and heartless epistle could not have been penned. I always knew her
to be selfish, and frivolous, vain, and silly to the backbone--yea,
backbone and all; but still I had a sort of liking for her withal.
That letter effectually dispelled any lingering remains of that
weakness. It spoke of her marriage with Reginald Stanford in the
most shamelessly insolent and exultant to