ittle laugh of incredulity, "I suppose I should not be too
certain, but I am entirely willing to run the risk of again acting as
bridesmaid."

"So that much is settled," returned Rosie in a tone of satisfaction. "I
have always counted upon Eva as another," she continued, "but----"

"Thank you, Rosie dear, but of course I cannot serve--under present
circumstances," returned Evelyn in a tone of gentle sadness.

No one spoke again for a moment; then Violet broke the silence by
asking, "How many do you think of having, Rosie?"

"Perhaps six," was the reply, in a musing tone, "at least including
flower girls and maid of honour. Gracie, you will be one of the
bridesmaids, will you not?"

"If papa does not object, as I hardly think he will."

"Maud and Sydney Dinsmore I think will serve," continued Rosie. "And
wouldn't it be a pretty idea to have Elsie Raymond and Uncle Horace's
Elsie, who is about the same size, as either bridesmaids or flower
girls?"

Everyone approved of that idea.

"Now, it will be in order, I suppose, to settle about the material and
colour of our dresses," remarked Lucilla.

"Perhaps it might be as well to first decide at what time of year they
are to be worn," suggested Mrs. Travilla in her gentle tones.

"Yes, mamma, but--you do not want to disappoint Will, do you? And June
is really the prettiest month in the year for a wedding, I think," said
Rose.

"None lovelier, daughter," her mother responded with a slight sigh, "but
October, my own wedding month, seems to me no less suitable."

"Why, yes, to be sure! if only Will could be satisfied to wait till
then."

"It will be hardly longer than the time he was given to understand he
must expect to wait," returned her mother pleasantly, "or than he ought
to think my Rose worth waiting for. But at all events, daughter, we must
consult with your grandpa before deciding. Have you had any talk with
him on the subject?"

"No, mamma; I preferred coming to you first, and am almost sure grandpa
will think it a matter for you to decide."

"Probably; yet I shall want his opinion; and besides he is your guardian
as well as your grandfather."

"Along with you, mamma; and I love him as both, he is so dear and kind."

"He is indeed," assented her mother. "He has told me more than once or
twice that my children are scarcely less dear to him than his own."

"Partly because our father was his dear friend as well as his
son-in-law," added Violet softly.