orman seems surprised, if you are not. He says, `You will be
very much astonished at all this; but you cannot be more astonished than
I was myself. I did not think of such a thing; at least, I did not know
that I was thinking of such a thing till young Conway, my friend, asked
permission to address my sister. I was very indignant, though, at
first, I did not, in the least, know why. However, Hilda helped me to
find out all about it. At first I meant she should spend the winter
with you all I want very much that you should know each other. But, on
the whole, I think I can't spare her quite so long. Expect to see us
therefore in November--one flesh!'" There was much more.

"Well done, Norman!" cried Arthur. "But, Graeme, I don't see what there
is to look grave about. She seems to be a nice little thing, and Norman
ought to know his own mind by this time."

"She's a great deal more than a nice little thing," said Graeme
earnestly. "If one can judge by her letters and by Harry's description
of her--to say nothing of Norman's opinion--she must be a very superior
person, and good and amiable besides. But it seems so strange, so
sudden. Why, it seems only the other day since Norman was such a mere
boy. I wish she could have passed the winter with us. I think,
perhaps, I should write and say so."

"Yes, if you like. But Norman must judge. I think it is the wisest
thing for him. He will have a settled home."

"I do believe it is," said Graeme, earnestly. "I am very glad--or I
shall be in a little. But, just at first, it seems a little as though
Norman would not be quite so much one of us--you know--and besides there
really is something odd in the idea of Norman's being married; now, is
there not?"

"I confess I fail to see it," said Arthur, a little sharply. Graeme had
hardly time to notice his tone. An exclamation from Will startled her.

"What is it, Will?" said Rose: "Another wedding?"

"You'll never guess, Rosie. Never. You need not try."

"Is it Harry this time?" said Arthur, looking in from the hall with his
hat on.

"No. Listen, Arthur! Harry says, `What is this that Mr Green has been
telling me about Arthur and little Miss Grove? I was greatly amused at
the idea _their_ mutual admiration. Mr Green assures me that he has
the best authority for saying that Arthur is to carry off the heiress.
Charlie, too, has hinted something of the same kind. Tell Graeme, when
that happens, I shall e