ouldna
well help myself; and I hope it will all be for the best."

They all hoped that, and, indeed, it was not to be doubted. But, though
congratulating Mrs Stirling heartily, Graeme was greatly disappointed
for themselves. She had been looking forward to the time when, Mrs
Tilman's temporary service over, they should have Nelly back in her old
place again; but the best must be made of it now, and Nelly's pleasure
must not be marred by a suspicion of her discontent. So she entered,
with almost as much eagerness as Rose, into a discussion of the plans of
the newly married pair.

"And is the market garden secured?" asked she. "Or is that to come
later?"

"It will not be for a while yet. He is to stay where he is for the
present. You will have heard that Mr Ruthven and his family are going
home for a while, and we are to stay in the house. I am to have the
charge. It will be something coming in through my own hands, which will
be agreeable to me," added the prudent and independent Nelly.

The meeting of Mrs Snow and Mrs Stirling was a great pleasure to them
both. They had much to say to one another before the time of Mrs
Snow's departure came, and she heard many things about the young people,
their way of life, their love to each other, and their forbearance with
Fanny and her friends, which she would never have heard from them. She
came to have a great respect for Mrs Stirling's sense and judgment, as
well as for her devotion to the interests of the young people. One of
the few expeditions undertaken by her was to choose a wedding present
for the bride, and Rose had the satisfaction of helping her to decide
upon a set of spoons, useful and beautiful at the same time; and "good
property to have," as Mr Snow justly remarked, whether they used them
or not.

The day of departure came at last. Will, Graeme, and Rose went with
them over the river, and Fanny would have liked to go, too, but she had
an engagement with Mrs Grove, and was obliged to stay at home. Arthur
was to be at the boat to see them on, if it could be managed, but that
was doubtful, so he bade them good-bye in the morning before he went
away. There was a crowd, as usual, on the boat, and Graeme made haste
to get a seat with Mrs Snow, in a quiet corner out of the way.

"Look, Graeme," said Rose. "There is Mr Proudfute, and there are the
Roxburys, and ever so many more people. And there is Mr Ruthven. I
wonder if they are going away to-da