ght of so fine a display of the
"Star-spangled Banner."

"Now, Cousin Ronald," he exclaimed, turning to Mr. Lilburn, "don't you
think it is the very prettiest flag that floats?"

"As bonny a one as ever I saw, laddie," responded the old gentleman
with a genial smile. "And don't you know that having adopted this as
my country, I now consider it as truly my ain banner as it is yours?"

"Oh, yes, sir, and I like you to," returned Ned with a pleased look.
"I like this to be your country as well as mine."

"It's a grand country, laddie," was the pleasant-toned response, "and
the native land of my bonny young wife and the dear little bairns of
my son Hugh; so I may well give it a share of my affection."

The weather continued fine, all the preparations were carried forward
successfully, and by noon of the next day the Percivals were ready to
enjoy a brief stay at Viamede and gaining strength, but carefully
attended and watched over by his cousin Harold, and Maud full of life
and gayety because of his improvement and the pleasant prospect before
them. It would be so delightful, she thought and said, to see her old
home and friends and acquaintances about there, Dick taking his ease
among them all for a time; and then to spend some weeks or months,
farther north, enjoying sea breezes and sea bathing.

All the cousins, older and younger, from Magnolia Hall and the
Parsonage were gathered there before the hour when the boat bringing
their bride and groom might be expected, and as it rounded to at the
wharf quite a little crowd could be seen waiting to receive them.

The Johnsons had not been apprised of the reception awaiting them and
were expecting to go on immediately to Torriswood, but the boat was
hailed and stopped by Chester, and at the same time seeing the festive
preparations and the assemblage of relatives, they understood what was
going on and expected, and stepped quickly ashore, where glad
greetings were exchanged; then all moved on to the house where Dr.
Percival lay in a hammock on the front veranda.

"Oh, Dick, dear fellow, are you still unable to move about?" asked Dr.
Johnson, grasping his hand and looking down into his thin, pale face
with eyes that filled with tears in spite of himself.

"Oh, I'll soon be all right, Bob; though if it hadn't been for Harold
here," giving the latter a warmly affectionate glance, "I doubt if you
would have found a partner in your practice on your return."

"In that case