f their hearts. They had each for those
two who had lain dead together in the streets of New York the strongest
and tenderest love,--and though it was not a tie about which they could
talk, it bound them together as with chains of steel.

Russell was with Ercildoune at the time of the wedding, and entered into
it heartily, as they all did. The result was, as has been written, the
gayest and merriest of times. Sallies dress, which Robert had given her,
was a sight to behold; and the pretty jewels, which were a part of his
gift, and the long veil, made her look, as Jim declared, "so handsome he
didn't know her,"--though that must have been one of Jim's stories, or
else he was in the habit of making love to strange ladies with
extraordinary ease and effrontery.

The breakfast was another sight to behold. As Mary the cook said to Jane
the housemaid, "If they'd been born kings and queens, Mrs. Lee couldn't
have laid herself out more; it's grand, so it is,--just you go and see;"
which Jane proceeded to do, and forthwith thereafter corroborated Mary's
enthusiastic statement.

There were plenty of presents, too: and when it was all over, and they
were in the carriage, to be sent to the station, Mr. Ercildoune,
holding Sallie's hand in farewell, left there a bit of paper, "which is
for you," he said. "God protect, and keep you happy, my child!" Then
they were gone, with many kind adieus and good wishes called and sent
after them. When they were seated in the cars, Sallie looked at her bit
of paper, and read on its outer covering, "A wedding-gift to Sallie
Howard from my dear daughter Francesca," and found within the deed of a
beautiful little home. God bless her! say we, with Mr. Ercildoune. God
bless them both, and may they live long to enjoy it!

That afternoon, as Tom and Robert were driving, Russell, noting the
unwonted look of life and activity, and the gay flags flung to the
breeze, demanded what it all meant. "Why," said he, "it is like a field
day."

"It is so," answered Robert, "or what is the same; it is election day."

"Bless my soul! so it is; and a soldier to be elected. Have you voted?"

"No!"

"No? Here's a nice state of affairs! a fellow that'll get his arm blown
off for a flag, but won't take the trouble to drop a scrap of paper for
it. Come, I'll drive you over."

"You forget, Russell!"

"Forget? Nonsense! This isn't 1860, but 1865. I don't forget; I
remember. It is after the war now,--come."

"As