ht as well as Dr. Grant's, and
by inveighing against the weeks which must still intervene ere the day
appointed for the grand ceremony to take place in Grace Church, and
which was to make Bell his wife.

* * * * *

"Ain't Morris ever goin' home? He won't be dressed in time, as sure as
the world, if he stays here much longer," Aunt Betsy said a dozen times,
until at last her patience was exhausted, and going boldly in where he
was, she bade him start in at once, or he would not have time to put on
his best coat and jacket, let alone Katy's changin' her clothes.

Thus importuned, Morris quitted the house, just as Mark and Helen came
slowly up, their faces happier, if possible, than his own, and telling
of the great joy which had succeeded their dark night of sorrow.

* * * * *

"Come in here, Helen, I have something to show you," Mrs. Banker said,
after she had again embraced and wept over her long-lost son, whose
return was not quite real yet, and leading her daughter-in-law to her
bedroom, she showed her the elegant white silk which had been made for
her just after her marriage, two years before, and which with careful
forethought she had brought with her, as more suitable now for the
wedding than Helen's mourning weeds.

"I made the most of my time last night after receiving Mark's telegram,
and had it modernized somewhat," she said. "And I brought your pearls,
for you know you will be most as much a bride as Katy, and I have a
pride in seeing my son's wife appropriately dressed."

Far different were Helen's feelings now, as she donned the elegant
dress, from what they had been the first and only time she wore it. Then
the bridegroom was where danger and death lay thickly around his
pathway, but now he was at her side, kissing her cheek where the roses
were burning so brightly, and calling still deeper blushes to her face
by his teasing observations and humorous ridicule of his own personal
appearance. Would she not feel ashamed of him, in his soiled, faded
uniform? And would she not cast longing glances at her handsome
brother-in-law and the stylish Lieutenant Bob? But Helen was proud of
her husband's uniform, as a badge of what he had suffered, and when the
folds of her rich dress swept against it, she did not draw them away,
but nestled closer to him, leaning upon his shoulder, and when no one
was near, winding her soft arms about his neck, whisper