And truly it was no hasty, ill-considered step she was taking, but one that had been calmly, thoughtfully pondered in many an hour of solitude and communion with that unseen Friend whom from earliest youth she had acknowledged in all her ways, and who had, according to His promise, directed her paths.  There was no excitement, no nervous tremor, about her then or during the short ceremony that made them no more twain but one flesh.  So absorbed was she in the importance and solemnity of the act she was performing, that little room was left for thought of anything else—­her personal appearance, or the hundreds of pairs of eyes fixed upon her; even her father’s presence, and the emotions swelling in his breast were for the time forgotten.  Many marked the rapt expression of her face, and the clear and distinct though low tones of the sweet voice as she pledged herself to “love, honor, and obey.”  Mr. Travilla’s promise “to love, honor, and cherish to life’s end,” was given no less earnestly and emphatically.

The deed was done; and relatives and friends gathered about them with kindly salutations and good wishes.

Mr. Dinsmore was the first to salute the bride.  “God bless and keep you, my daughter,” were his tenderly whispered words.

“Dear, dear papa,” was all she said in response, but her eyes spoke volumes.  “I am yours still, your very own, and glad it is so,” they said.

Then came Rose with her tender, silent caress, half-sorrowful, half-joyful, and Mrs. Travilla with her altogether joyous salutation, “My dear daughter, may your cup of happiness be ever filled to overflowing;” while Mr. Dinsmore to hide his emotion turned jocosely to Travilla with a hearty shake of the hand, and “I wish you joy, my son.”

“Thank you, father,” returned the groom gravely, but with a twinkle of merriment in his eye.

Aunt Wealthy, standing close by awaiting her turn to greet the bride, shook her head at her nephew.  “Ah, you are quite too old for that, Horace.  Mr. Vanilla, I wish you joy; but what am I to call you now?”

“Edward, if you please, Aunt Wealthy.”

“Ah, yes, that will do nicely; it’s a good name—­so easily forgotten.  Elsie, dearie, you went through it brave as a lion.  May you never wish you’d lived your lane like your auld auntie.”

“As if single blessedness could ever be real blessedness!” sneered Enna, coming up just in time to catch the last words.

“Our feelings change as we grow older,” returned Miss Stanhope, in her gentle, refined tones, “and we come to look upon quiet and freedom from care as very desirable things.”

“And I venture to say that old age is not likely to find Mrs. Percival so happy and contented as is my dear old maiden aunt,” remarked Mr. Dinsmore.

“Yet we will hope it may, papa,” said Elsie, receiving Enna’s salutation with kindly warmth.

But the list of relatives, near connections, and intimate friends, is too long for particular mention of each.  All the Dinsmores were there, both married and single; also most of the Allisons.  Harold had not come with the others, nor had he either accepted or rejected the invitation.