But the bitterness of their
grief had long been past, and they could speak cheerfully and hopefully
now.

There was a great deal of enjoyment crowded into the few weeks of their
stay. "If Harry were only here!" was said many times. But Harry was
well, and well content to be where he was, and his coming home was a
pleasure which lay not very far before them. Their visit came to an end
too soon for them all; but Norman was a busy man, and they were to go
home by Merleville, for Norman declared he should not feel quite assured
of the excellence of his wife till Janet had pronounced upon her.
Graeme was strongly tempted to yield to their persuasions, and go to
Merleville with them; but her long absence during the summer, and the
hope that they might go to Emily's wedding soon, decided her to remain
at home.

Yes; they had enjoyed a few weeks of great happiness; and the very day
of their departure brought upon Graeme the pain which she had almost
ceased to fear. Arthur told her of his engagement to Miss Grove. His
story was very short, and it was told with more shamefacedness than was
at all natural for a triumphant lover. It did not matter much, however,
as there was no one to take note of the circumstances. From the first
shock of astonishment and pain which his announcement gave her, Graeme
roused herself to hear her brother say eagerly, even a little
impatiently--

"Of course, this will make no difference with us at home? You will
never _think_ of going away because of this, Rose and you?"

By a great effort Graeme forced herself to speak--

"Of course not, Arthur. What difference could it make? Where could we
go?"

When Arthur spoke again, which he did not do for a moment, his tone
showed how much he was relieved by his sister's words. It was very
gentle and tender too, Graeme noticed.

"Of course not. I was quite sure this would make no change. Rather
than my sisters should be made unhappy by my--by this affair--I would go
no further in it. My engagement should be at an end."

"Hush, Arthur! It is too late to say that now."

"But I was quite sure you would see it in the right way. You always do,
Graeme. It was not my thought that you would do otherwise. And it will
only be a new sister, another Rosie to care for, and to love, Graeme. I
know you will be such a sister to my wife, as you have ever been to Rose
and to us all."

Graeme pressed the hand that Arthur laid on hers, but she could