, but she thought that the coming of the
Gordons was the very best thing that had ever happened to her, without
any exception whatever. Dennis, in her eyes, was of minor importance.

The bride and groom went off amid a shower of old shoes, and then the
guests slowly betook themselves to their homes. It was the first wedding
at Oakleigh for many years, and it was celebrated in a manner befitting
such an important occasion. Some of the intimate friends staid during
the evening, and when they left, the family, tired and worn with
excitement, separated early.

The next day Neal went to see some of his former friends. He was absent
several days, for he had been granted extended leave, and was not due in
Philadelphia until the 2d of January.

It seemed very lonely and strange at Oakleigh after the wedding was
over. It was the first break in the family of that kind, and Cynthia
could not become accustomed to it. She thought that accounted for the
unusual fit of depression which seized her the morning Neal went away,
and which she could not shake off, try as she would.

Edith and Dennis were to return the last day of the year, and spend a
short time at the old homestead before going to their new house. Neal
also was to come back that day, and Cynthia found herself longing for
New-year's eve. She did want to see Edith so much, she said to herself a
dozen times a day.

And at last New-year's eve came, and with it the absent members of the
household. A merry party sat about the supper-table that night. Cynthia
was the gayest of the gay. Her contagious laugh rang out on all
occasions, but, indeed, everybody laughed at every one else's joke, and
particularly one's own joke, apparently without regard to the amount of
wit contained therein.

As the evening lengthened Cynthia grew more quiet. The last night of the
year always impressed her with its solemnity, young though she was. She
left the others where they were sitting about the fire waiting for the
clock to strike, and wandered off to the dining-room, to the library, up
stairs--anywhere. She could not sit still.

[Illustration: SHE WAS JUST COMING DOWN THE BROAD OLD STAIRCASE.]

She was just coming down the broad old staircase when Neal suddenly
appeared at the foot. He had been waiting for her. He was to go back
to-morrow, and he had determined to speak to her before he left.

She paused a moment in surprise, and the light from the Venetian lantern
which hung in the ha