ue toward the front of the house he saw that there
had already been some arrival. A large lumbering old family carriage
was being driven, empty, around toward the stables.

Alden quickened his horse's pace and rode up to the door, dismounted,
threw his reins to Peter, the young groom, who was waiting to take the
horse, and then ran up the steps into the house.

He almost immediately found himself in the arms of his sister Laura, who
had run out to receive him.

"Oh, Alden, my darling, I am so delighted! I wish you so much joy!" she
exclaimed.

"Only the occasion that has hastened my happiness is a sad one to
others, Laura, my dear," answered the young man, gravely.

"I don't think so at all. I have seen Mrs. Cavendish. I never saw a
happier woman. She is so happy that she wishes to make everybody else as
happy as she is herself," said Laura.

As she spoke John Lytton came lumbering into the hall.

"Alden, boy, how do? I never was so astonished in my life! But under the
circumstances I hope that it is all right to hurry up things in this
a-way. Your Aunt Kitty couldn't come; nyther could your grandmother nor
the gals. Fact is, they hadn't the gownds to appear in. But they wish
you joy; and so do I. For, though I do think you might a-looked higher,
because the Lyttonses is a much older family than the Caverndishers,
and, in fact, were lords of the manor when the Caverndishers were
hewers--"

"Uncle John," broke in Alden, with a laugh, "pray let that subject drop
for the present! And follow Jerome, who is waiting to show you a room
where you can brush your coat and smooth your hair, and--"

"Make myself tidy for the wedding? All right, my boy! March on, Jerome!"
said John Lytton, good-humoredly, as he followed his guide upstairs.

As he disappeared another carriage rolled up to the front door, and Dr.
Beresford Jones, Electra and Mr. Joseph Brent--Victor Hartman--alighted
from it and entered the house.

Alden and Laura Lytton stepped forward to receive them.

Electra seized and kissed Laura in a hurry, while the gentlemen were
shaking hands, and then she flew to Alden and congratulated him with
much effusion.

"Now, Laura, take me where I can change my dress quickly. I brought a
white India muslin with me to wear, for I am to be bride-maid, of
course! So are you, I suppose. But you haven't changed your dress yet.
Where is Emma? What is she going to be married in?"

"Be quiet, you little Bohemian!" said Lau