Just then there came a knock on the outer door.  Chi Lu was called to answer it, and he brought to Virgie a huge basket laden with the loveliest of mountain ferns and flowers, the dew still glistening upon them.

They were the offering of some of the miners “for Miss Abbot’s wedding,” the boy who brought them said.

It had become known in some way that Mr. Abbot was failing rapidly, and had requested that his daughter might be married before his death.

He was much respected in the hamlet, for he had always been the courteous gentleman, while Virgie was regarded almost in the light of a young princess, and thus these humble people were prompted to show their sympathy and good will in this delicate manner.

The young bride-elect was touched to the heart by this tribute, and with her own hands arranged the lovely flowers to furnish the room where she was to be married.

Then she went up stairs, and was seen no more until the hour set for the ceremony, which was eleven o’clock.

Meanwhile Chi Lu and an elderly woman, who had once been very kind to Virgie when she was ill, and had been asked to “come and help for the day,” were very busily engaged in the small kitchen, arranging a repast which was to be served later in the day.

Sir William was determined that the occasion should be made as cheerful as circumstances would allow, and had ordered from the city every delicacy which his fertile brain could suggest, and thus a “wedding breakfast,” such as had never been known in that region before, was in process of preparation.

At eleven o’clock the happy groom made his appearance and sent Margery Follet, the woman before mentioned, to Virgie’s door to say that he was ready and awaiting her.

To her tap Virgie gently responded “come in,” and a low cry of delight escaped the humble woman’s lips as she opened the door, and then stood transfixed upon the threshold.

Virgie turned a smiling face to her.  “Why, Margery, how came you here?” she asked.

“The gent sent for me to come and help.”

“That was thoughtful in him, and it was kind of you to come,” Virgie returned, graciously.

“It’s a boon to me, miss.  You look like an angel, and I shall never forget this day,” said the woman, regarding her almost with reverence.

Virgie felt all the happier for being able to contribute this pleasure to one so unused to pleasure of any kind, and she increased it tenfold by asking her to assist her in fastening the last button of one of her gloves.

“Yes, I’m ready,” Virgie replied, as, with a vivid, conscious flush, she turned away, after one last look in her mirror, and truly she was a vision to cheer the heart of the fondest bridegroom.

Her dress proved to be a perfect fit, and the delicate fabric fell in soft, graceful folds over the lustrous white of her silken skirt, while she was covered from head to foot by the mist-like veil.