.]

"A new lake?" inquired a friend who had already accompanied us to Rye
and Croton Lakes; "pray how many does Westchester County possess?"

Each new one is of course the prettiest, and beautiful as Rye Lake had
been the previous night under the influence of the setting sun, and
starlight, we all decided that Lake Wampas was simply perfect.

Dinner was ready upon our return, and before the dessert was placed
upon the table a warning whistle was heard, and several of our friends
were obliged to bid us a hasty adieu, and rush through Bischoff's
garden to catch the train.

In the evening we walked up to the pond for a row among the
water-lilies by starlight. There we found the bonny blue boat awaiting
us, but the oars had disappeared. Whether Bernard disapproved of
water-parties on Sunday, or had merely put the oars away for safety, we
could not tell, but having gone so far, we were determined not to be
disappointed, so we embarked, and with an old garden-rake, and a long
pole to propel the boat, we succeeded, at all events, in having a very
laughable row.

The next morning our friends left us; the play-days were over, and we
once more settled ourselves to study.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Marriage of a Cousin--A Pretty Bride--Letters--Home Circle Complete--A
Letter of Adventures--Wedding Cards--A Musical Marriage--Housekeeping
under Difficulties--Telegraphic Blunders--A Bust of Mr. Greeley--More
Visitors.

_September 10_.

A letter yesterday from our cousin Estelle Greeley, signed, however, by
a new name, for she was married last week. Estelle is Aunt Arminda's
youngest daughter, and although not yet eighteen, was before the death
of Theresa's children a great-aunt. She sent us her picture, taken
with her husband. She is a very pretty girl, with large, dreamy, blue
eyes, and lashes so long and dark as to cast deep shadows--a
languishing effect often produced on city belles by artificial means.
Her hair is of that sunny brown shade peculiar to so many of our
cousins, and she has hitherto worn it floating over her shoulders _a la
belle sauvage_; but now I suppose she thinks so _negligee_ and girlish
a coiffure incompatible with her new dignity as a married woman, for I
observed in her picture that it was wreathed into an imposing diadem
braid.

Although Estelle is rather young to have married, the match has
received the cordial approbation of tho entire family. She was married
at home, but has now gone to