wifehood and motherhood."

"I don't blame you, Raymond, and shall not try to persuade her to go
against her father's wishes in regard to the time of assuming the cares
and duties you speak of," said Keith, heaving an involuntary sigh at
thought of the years of bachelorhood still evidently in store for him.
"I only wish I were sure of her even after serving seven years, as Jacob
did for Rachel."

"Well, I shall not cheat you as Laban did poor Jacob," returned Captain
Raymond pleasantly. "By the way, Cousins Dick and Maud made quick work
of their courting, and the marriage is to follow very speedily. In most
cases such speedy work would be risky enough, but they know all about
each other--at least so far as a couple may before the knot is tied
which makes them one flesh. I think very highly of both, and hope it is
going to be a most happy marriage."

"I hope it may, indeed," said Keith. "Maud will be hurried with her
preparations; more so than most ladies would like, I presume."

"Yes; but really it will be just as well, I think, under all the
circumstances. To-morrow we are all to spend one half the day at
Roselands, the other at Pine Grove; the next day we go to Beechwood;
then Thursday we are to have the wedding at The Oaks, and that night, or
the next morning, most of the friends from a distance contemplate
starting for their homes."

"Yes, I among the rest," said Keith.

"I need hardly say, for surely you cannot doubt it, that I should be
glad to have you remain longer with us if Uncle Sam would permit it,"
said Captain Raymond with cordial hospitality.

"Thank you," returned Keith, "but that is more than I could expect even
were there time to ask it, which there is not." Then, rising, "It
strikes me that it is high time to be making ready for bed. Good-night,
Raymond, my good friend; sweet sleep and pleasant dreams to you," and,
with the last word, he held out his hand.

Captain Raymond grasped it heartily, saying, "Good-night, Keith; I wish
you the same. May He who never slumbers nor sleeps have us all in his
kind care and keeping."

In the principal event of the past day--the engagement of Dick Percival
and Maud Dinsmore--and the talk of other days and events which ensued,
Mrs. Elsie Travilla's thoughts had been carried back to the happy time
of her own betrothal and marriage to the one whom she had so loved as
friend, lover, and husband. She seemed to see him again as he was then,
to hear his low breat