runs down from opposite Joy
Street southward across the whole length of the Common to Boylston
Street. We called it the long path, and were fond of it.

"'I felt very weak indeed (though of a tolerably robust habit) as we
came opposite the head of this path on that morning. I think I tried
to speak twice without making myself distinctly audible. At last I got
out the question, "Will you take the long path with me?" "Certainly,"
said the school-mistress, "with much pleasure." "Think," I said,
"before you answer: if you take the long path with me now, I shall
interpret it that we are to part no more!" The schoolmistress stepped
back with a sudden movement, as if an arrow had struck her.

"'One of the long granite blocks used as seats was hard by--the one you
may still see close by the Gingko-tree. "Pray sit down," I said. "No,
no," she answered, softly, "I will walk the _long path_ with you!"

"'--The old gentleman who sits opposite met us walking arm in arm about
the middle of the long path, and said, very charmingly,--"Good-morning,
my dears!"'"

The reading stopped at luncheon time, and it was still raining. On the
table were letters for Becky forwarded from Siasconset. An interesting
account from Aunt Claudia of the wedding of Major Prime and Madge
MacVeigh.

"They were married in the old orchard at the Flippins', and it was
beautiful. The bride wore simple clothes like the rest of us. It was
cool and we kept on our wraps, and she was in white linen with a loose
little coat of mauve wool, and a hat to match. The only bride-y thing
about her was a great bunch of lilacs that the Major ordered from a
Fifth Avenue florist. They are to stay in New York for a day or two,
and then visit the Watermans on the North Shore. After that they will
go at once to the West, where they are to live on the Major's ranch.
He has been relieved from duty at Washington, and will have all of his
time to give to his own affairs.

"There has been an epidemic of weddings. Flippins' Daisy waited just
long enough to help Mrs. Flippin get Miss MacVeigh married; then she
and young John had an imposing ceremony in their church, with Daisy in
a train and white veil, and four bridesmaids, and Mandy and Calvin in
front seats, and Calvin giving the bride away. I think the
elaborateness of it all really reconciled Mandy to her daughter-in-law."

There was also, from Randy, a long envelope enclosing a thick
manuscript and ver