ated; but Fanny next day made amends by giving him nearly a pound
of candy, which had the effect of making him sick a week, but he got well
in time to be present at Leffie's wedding, which took place just a week
after Dr. Lacey's return.

Leffie, who chanced to be just the size of her young mistress, was thrown
into ecstasies by the gift of a thin pink and white silk dress, which
Fanny presented to her for a bridal gown. Aunt Dilsey, in order to show
her thanks, went down on her knees, a thing she never attempted again, as
it took her such an unheard-of length of time to recover a standing
posture. Dr. Lacey had made Leffie the present of a pair of gold earrings,
so that she was really a pretty bride, and Rondeau was the happiest negro
in all New Orleans.

As weddings seem to be the order of this chapter, we may here, as well as
anywhere, dispose of Mrs. Carrington, whom, you will remember, Raymond
said he would one day marry. When he left Frankfort, he had no definite
idea as to what he should do, but after reaching Cincinnati, it occured to
him that his mother had a wealthy old bachelor uncle living in St. Louis,
and thither he determined to go. This uncle, Mr. Dunlap, received the
young man cordially, for he was the first relative he had met with in
years. There was something, too, in the manner with which Raymond
introduced himself that won for him a place in the crusty old man's good
opinion.

"I am Fred Raymond," said he, "your niece Helen's son, and as poor a jack
as there is this side of California. They say you are a stingy old
customer, but I don't care for that. You have got to give me some
business, and a home, too."

Raymond's method of approaching the old gentleman was successful, and he
at once gave him a good position, which later developed into a
partnership.

Feeling himself established and finding Mrs. Carrington in St. Louis,
Raymond pressed his suit, and they were eventually married.

The couple were disappointed in their expectations of a fortune, for
within two years after the marriage Mr. Dunlap suddenly died. He had
intended to make his will and make Raymond his heir, but like many other
men he put it off until it was too late, and his property, which was found
to be less than supposed, went back to his brothers and sisters, and from
them to their children and grandchildren, so that Raymond got but a small
share.

He, however, retained his position as a merchant, and struggled hard to
k