But others were crowding about, and in the exchange of greetings, questions, and answers, there were time and opportunity for no more.

There was a pleasant bustle, a good deal of mirth and laughter, the young folks going about from room to room to examine the tasteful arrangements for the grand affair of the morrow—­then, the last one of those selected to take part in the ceremony having arrived, they went through their rehearsal; so that even the little flower girls might be perfect in their parts, knowing just how and when to enter the room, where to stand and what to do.

They were greatly interested and very anxious to do all in the best possible manner, that no one might be mortified by their failure and led to regret that they had been chosen to perform that particular part.  They succeeded admirably, and were delighted with the praise freely bestowed upon them by one and another of the onlookers, including the guests and the members of the different families present.

When all seemed perfect in their parts, which no one found very difficult, some simple refreshments were served, and presently after Captain Raymond and his family departed for Woodburn, Captain Donald Keith and Dr. Dick Percival accompanying them.

It was something of a disappointment to both these gentlemen that, very shortly after arriving there, Captain Raymond advised his daughters to retire, in order that they might feel entirely rested and refreshed before entering upon the exciting pleasures and fatigues of the coming day.

“I know it is the best plan for me, papa,” returned Grace in cheerful tones, and began her good-nights at once.

“For me too, since I want all the beauty sleep I can get in preparation for to-morrow,” laughed Lucilla, “though of course it is by no means so necessary for the bride’s attendants as for herself.”

“Ah! is that because they are so much handsomer to begin with?”

“Oh, papa! please refrain from asking such hard questions!” was the response in tones of mock entreaty; “hard because they seem to imply a good deal of vanity in me.  I was only meaning that, of course, the bride’s appearance will attract the most attention.”

“Ah! was that it?  Well, my child, say good-night and go; get to bed quickly, put aside thoughts of to-morrow’s gaieties, and indulge in sleep so sound and refreshing that you will be ready to give your father his usual companionship in his early stroll about the grounds.”

“I’ll do my best to follow all those directions, sir,” she said with a bright, pleased look.  “Good-night, gentlemen,” turning toward the guests.  “I hope you will both sleep well and find to-morrow’s festivities very enjoyable.”  And with that she hastened away, leaving the three gentlemen alone upon the veranda, for Violet was seeing her little ones to bed.

“What a rich man you are, Raymond!” remarked Keith, half unconsciously sighing slightly as he spoke.