without considering how she is
attired, or of what her wardrobe consists."

"I say amen to that, uncle," smiled Dick, "and shall only enjoy speedily
supplying anything lacking in her wardrobe. I'll be glad, indeed, to
have the right."

"Very good in you, Dick; but it isn't the bridegroom's place to supply
the trousseau," said Chester, only half mollified. "And there is no
occasion, seeing her brothers are able to do it, and willing, to say
nothing of her own means."

"Oh, Ches, don't be vexed," said Maud. "It will all be right; I have a
very good wardrobe, and don't mean to let Dick buy anything for me this
long while."

At which Dick laughed meaningly, as much as to say: "In regard to that I
shall do as I please or think best."

Chester was somewhat out of sorts; he did not like to have his sister
hurried into marriage without a trousseau, and he had noticed something
that displeased him still more in Captain Keith's manner toward Lucilla
Raymond. It was hard, very hard, he thought, that her father would not
allow him to tell her the story of his love. He would have been still
more indignant had he known that Keith was allowed that privilege.

As for Keith, he was looking out for an opportunity to avail himself of
the father's permission; not very hopefully, but still not in entire
despair; thinking that clever courting might perhaps win her in the end.
And he felt that she was worth much effort and long waiting for.

The afternoon passed quickly and the party broke up early, partly
because of the necessary preparations for to-morrow's wedding. The Oaks
family, having the most of that to attend to, were the first to leave,
and the others soon followed.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Ever since gaining her father's permission to tell Lucilla the story of
his love, Captain Keith had been watching for a favourable opportunity
to do so, but thus far without avail.

"Now," he thought, as they drove on the homeward way from Roselands to
Woodburn, "I must try to get a few moments alone with her this evening."

He did not succeed, however; there were still several guests besides
himself, and Lucilla seemed to be always in request for conversation, or
taking part in some game. And directly after the evening service she
slipped away to her own apartments and was seen no more that night.

In the morning it was equally impossible to catch her alone for even a
moment, so busy and excited were all with regard to what was to