She probably did not
care to face the brother and sister together, unsupported by their
grandfather. A few minutes later Mr. Rockharrt came in, looking moody
and defiant, as if quite conscious of the absurdity of his position, or
ready to crush any one who betrayed the slightest, sense of humor. Then
dinner was served, and Rose Stillwater came out of her room and entered
the parlor--a vision of loveliness--her widow's weeds all gone, her
dress a violet brocaded satin, with fine lace berthe and sleeve
trimmings, white throat and white arms encircled with pearl necklace and
bracelets; golden red hair dressed high and adorned with a pearl comb.
She came in smiling and took her place at the table.

Old Aaron Rockharrt looked up at her in surprise and not altogether with
pleasure. Rose Stillwater, seeing his expression of countenance, got a
new insight into the mind of the old man whom she had thought she knew
so well. During dinner, to cover the embarrassment which covered each
member of the small party, Sylvan began to talk of the cadets' ball at
West Point on the preceding evening; the distinguished men who were
present, the pretty girls with whom he had danced, the best waltzers,
and so forth, and then the mischievous scamp added:

"But there wasn't a brunette present as handsome as my sister Cora, nor
a blonde as beautiful as my own grandmamma-elect."

When they all left the table, Mrs. Stillwater went to her room, and Mr.
Rockharrt took occasion to say:

"I wish you both to understand the programme for to-morrow. There is to
be no fuss, no wedding breakfast, no nonsense whatever."

Sylvan thought to himself that the marriage alone was nonsense enough to
stand by itself, like a velvet dress, which is spoiled by additions; but
he said nothing. Mr. Rockharrt, standing on the rug with his back to the
mantlepiece and his hands clasped behind him, continued:

"Sylvan, you will wear a morning suit; Cora, you will wear a visiting
costume, just what you would wear to an ordinary church service. Rose
will be married in her traveling dress. Immediately after the ceremony
we, myself and wife, shall enter a carriage and drive to the railway
depot and take the train for Niagara. You two can return here or go to
Rockhold or wherever you will. We shall make a short tour of the Falls,
lakes, St. Lawrence River, and so on, and probably return to Rockhold by
the first of July. I cannot remain long from the works while Fabian is
aw