one wise, and Solomon has something to do
with it. You must take him into your confidence. But, dear me! Think
of my venturing to give you good advice, I might be Janet herself."

"But, Rosie, dear," said Graeme, still laughing, "Solomon has nothing to
say about such infants as this one."

"Has he not? Well, that is Hilda's mistake, then. She is responsible
for my opinions. I know nothing. The wisdom I am dispensing so freely
is entirely hers. You must go and see Hilda and her babies, and you
will understand all about it."

"I mean to go and see her, not entirely for the sake of her wisdom,
however, though it must be wonderful to have impressed you so deeply."

"Yes, it _is_ wonderful. But you will be in no hurry about going, will
you? Two or three years hence will be time enough, I should think. I
mean to content myself here for that time, and you are not going there,
or anywhere, without me. That is quite decided, whatever arrangements
Norman may have made."

"I don't think he will object to your going with me, if Arthur doesn't,
and Fanny," said Graeme, smiling.

"Possibly not. But I am not going yet. And no plan that is meant to
separate you and me shall prosper," said Rose, with more heat than the
occasion seemed to call for, as though the subject had been previously
discussed in a manner not to her liking. Graeme looked grave and was
silent a moment, then she said,--

"I remember saying almost these very words before we went to Merleville,
to Emily's wedding. But you know how differently it turned out for you
and me. We will keep together while we can, dear, but we must not set
our hearts upon it, or upon any other earthly good, as though we knew
best what is for our own happiness."

"Well, I suppose that is the right way to look at it. But I am to be
your first consideration this winter, you must remember, and you are to
be mine."

"Graeme," said Fanny, earnestly, "I don't think Rose is spoiled in the
least."

Fanny made malapropos speeches sometimes still, but they were never
unkindly meant now, and she looked with very loving eyes from one sister
to the other.

"I hope you did not think Hilda was going to spoil me. Did you?" said
Rose, laughing.

"No, not Hilda; and it was not I who thought so, nor Graeme. But Harry
said you were admired more than was good for you, perhaps, and--"

Rose shrugged her shoulders.

"Oh! Harry is too wise for anything. I had a word or two wit