so
as to have as pretty a bride as she should make. Then Marian Hazelton
glanced up in time to see the expression of his face, a look whose
meaning she readily recognized, and when Dr. Grant left the farmhouse
that day, another than himself knew of his love for Katy, drawing her
breath hurriedly as she thought of taking back the words "I never will,"
of revoking the decision and telling Katy what Wilford Cameron should
have told her long before. But the wild wish fled, and Wilford's secret
was safe, while Marian watched Morris Grant with a pitying interest as
he came among them, speaking always in the same kind, gentle tone, and
trying so hard to enter into Katy's joy.

"His burden is greater than mine. God help us both," Marian said, as she
resumed her work.

And so amid joy and gladness, silent tears and breaking hearts the
preparations went on until all was done, and only three days remained
before the eventful tenth. Marian Hazelton was going home, for she would
not stay at the farmhouse until all was over, notwithstanding Katy's
entreaties, joined to those of Helen.

"Perhaps she would come to the church," she said, "though she could not
promise;" and her manner was so strange as she gathered up her things
that Katy wondered if in any way she could have been offended, and at
last said to her timidly, as she stood with her bonnet on waiting for
Uncle Ephraim: "You are not angry with me for anything, are you?"

"Angry with you!" and Katy never forgot the glitter of the tearful eyes,
or their peculiar expression as they turned upon her. "No, oh, no; I
could not be angry with you, and yet, Katy Lennox, some in my position
would hate you, contrasting your prospects with their own; but I do not;
I love you; I bless you, and pray that you may be happy with your
husband; honor him, obey him if need be, and above all, never give him
the slightest cause to doubt you. You will have admirers, Katy Lennox.
In New York others than your husband will speak to you words of
flattery, but don't you listen. Remember what I tell you; and now,
again, God bless you."

She touched her lips to Katy's forehead, and when they were withdrawn
there were great tears there which she had left! Marian's tears on
Katy's brow; and truly, it was very meet that just before her bridal day
Wilford Cameron's bride should receive such baptism from Marian
Hazelton.

CHAPTER IX.

BEFORE THE MARRIAGE.

On the morning of the ninth day of Ju