th flowers, and the wedding-breakfast laid out
in the long dining-room.

The supper-table for the returning travelers was set in the small
dining-room opening upon the garden of roses.

Carriages had been sent from the Hall early that morning to meet the
travelers, who were expected to reach Wendover by the noon train from
Richmond and to come direct to the Hall, so as to arrive in time for an
early tea.

On the delightful porch in front of the house, that commanded a view of
the carriage-drive and the forest road beyond, sat a pleasant group,
enjoying the magnificent sunset of that mountain region, and watching
the road or the first appearance of the carriage that was to bring home
their beloved young friends.

This happy group was composed of Mrs. Fanning, Laura Lytton, Electra
Coroni, Stephen Lyle and Joseph Brent.

"I hope they will arrive before the sun goes quite down. I should like
them to come home in the sunshine," said Laura Lytton, looking anxiously
at the glorious orb just then touching the horizon.

No one answered. All were watching the setting sun and listening for the
sound of the carriage-wheels until a few moments had passed, and then
Electra said, with a sigh:

"You will not get your wish then, for the sun is gone and they are not
come."

"They are coming now, however. I hear the sound of their
carriage-wheels," said Joseph Brent.

"Yes, indeed, for I see the carriage now," added Mr. Lyle, as the
traveling-coach rolled rapidly in sight of the whole party and turned
into the home drive.

A few moments more and the carriage drew up before the house, and Alden
Lytton alighted and handed out his wife.

Another moment and Alden was in the arms of his sister and Emma on the
bosom of Mrs. Fanning.

Hearty greetings, warm embraces ensued, and then they held off to look
at each other.

Emma was more beautiful and Alden handsomer than ever.

"What a happy coming home!" said Emma, gratefully. "And you are all so
well! And you are all here except those who are in heaven. Stay! I think
_they_ also are here to meet us, though we do not see them! Come, let
us enter the house."

"Let me show you to your rooms. No one shall be your 'groom of the
chambers,' Mr. and Mrs. Alden Lytton, but myself," said Laura,
playfully, as she led the way upstairs to the elegant apartments that
had been prepared for the young master and mistress of the house.

"Come too, Electra. I do not wish to lose sight of you