see you are going to be an ideal Darby and Joan.
You will forgive me, won't you, for saying that his collar was dusty,
for how was I ever to guess that he was going to belong to you? I much
admire the classical outline of his features, and I'll make a point of
studying it exclusively in the future, and never allow my eyes to wander
to his garments. After all, what is dust, that it should be allowed to
affect our estimate of a fellow-creature? He may be as dusty as he
likes, Esther, my dear, and I shall never breathe a word of reproach to
you on the subject."

"Much obliged, but your generosity is unnecessary. You will never see
_my_ husband dusty, if I know it!" cried Esther in disdain, and blushed
so prettily at the sound of that magic word that Peggy capered round the
room in delight, humming an air the while which was intended to be the
Wedding March, but which was, alas! so lamentably out of tune that
Esther congratulated herself that, even if overheard, it would never be
recognised by the beloved listener in the garden.

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

For the next few weeks Esther's approaching marriage seemed to engross
attention to the exclusion of every other topic. To Mellicent's delight
the professor fulfilled Peggy's prophecy by putting his veto on the
travelling-dress proposition. The wedding should be quiet, the quieter
the better, but Esther must wear the orthodox attire, for he wished to
keep the memory of a white-robed bride with him throughout life. Alone
with Esther, he added one or two lover-like speeches on the point, which
more than reconciled her for the extra fuss and flurry which were
involved in gratifying his desire. A white dress involved bridesmaids,
so Peggy received her invitation, and was the less appreciative of the
position since every day brought with it a fresh interview with
Mellicent, eager, incoherent, brimming over with an entirely new set of
ideas on the all-important subject of dress. Esther herself went about
her preparations in characteristic fashion, thoughtful of expense, of
fatigue for others, yet with a transparent appreciation of her own
importance, which was altogether girl-like and natural, and Mrs Asplin
entered into every detail of the arrangements with whole-hearted zeal.
She was so happy in Esther's happiness, so thankful for the feeling of
additional strength and comfort for the future given by the prospect of
the new home, so proud of her distinguished son-in-la