iness, I presume; it's said to have that effect. I
believe I was vexed when I first heard you were engaged to him, because I
thought he was too old; but really he doesn't look so; a man should be
considerably older than his wife, that she may find it easier to look up
to him; and he know the better how to take care of her."

"I would not have him a day younger, except that he would like to be
nearer my age, or different in any way from what he is," Elsie said, her
eyes involuntarily turning in Mr. Travilla's direction.

They met the ardent gaze of his. Both smiled, and rising he crossed the
room and joined them. They had a half hour of lively chat together, then
Mrs. King rose to take leave.

Mr. Travilla moved away to speak to the doctor, and Lottie seized the
opportunity to whisper to her friend, "He's just splendid, Elsie! I don't
wonder you look so happy, or that he secured your hand and heart after
they had been refused to dukes and lords. You see Aunt Wealthy has been
telling me all about your conquests in Europe," she added, in answer to
Elsie's look of surprise.

"I am, indeed, very happy, Lottie," Elsie replied in the same low tone; "I
know Mr. Travilla so thoroughly, and have not more perfect confidence in
papa's goodness and love to me, than in his. It is a very restful thing to
have such a friend."

Dr. King's circumstances had greatly improved in the last four years, so
that he was quite able to give Lottie the pleasure of accepting Elsie's
invitation, and at once gave his cordial consent. Mrs. King at first
objected that the two weeks of our friends' intended stay in Lansdale
would not give sufficient time for the necessary additions to Lottie's
wardrobe; but this difficulty was overcome by a suggestion from Elsie. She
would spend two or three weeks in Philadelphia, attending to the
purchasing and making up of her trousseau, she said, and Lottie's dresses
could be bought and made at the same time and place.

The two weeks allotted to Lansdale of course passed very rapidly;
especially to Harry, to whom the society of these new-found relatives was
a great pleasure, and who on their departure would be left behind, with
only Phillis for his housekeeper.

The latter received so many charges from Aunt Wealthy in regard to careful
attention to "Mr. Harry's" health and comfort, that at length she grew
indignant, and protested that she loved "Mr. Harry as if he was her own
child--didn't she nuss him when he