and pleasure,
appeared the good old commodore who had played such a kind part in their
affairs in Italy the year before. It was a great compliment that he should
think it worth while to come so far to see one of his junior officers
married; and it showed so much real regard for Ned that everybody was
delighted. These guests were quartered with Mrs. Ashe, but they took most
of their meals with the Carrs; and it was arranged that they, with Polly
and Amy, should come to an early breakfast on the marriage morning.

After Ned's arrival things did seem to grow a little fuller and busier,
for he naturally wanted Katy to himself, and she was too preoccupied to
keep her calm grasp on events; still all went smoothly, and Rose declared
that there never was such a wedding since the world was made,--no tears,
no worries, nobody looking tired, nothing disagreeable!

Clover's one great subject of concern was the fear that it might rain.
There was a little haze about the sunset the night before, and she
expressed her intention to Cousin Helen of lying awake all night to see
how things looked.

"I really feel as if I could not bear it if it should storm," she said,
"after all this fine weather too; and I know I shall not sleep a wink,
anyway."

"I think we can trust God to take care of the weather even on Katy's
wedding-day," replied Cousin Helen, gently.

And after all it was she who lay awake. Pain had made her a restless
sleeper, and as her bed commanded the great arch of western sky, she saw
the moon, a sharp-curved silver shape, descend and disappear a little
before midnight. She roused again when all was still, solemn darkness
except for a spangle of stars, and later, opened her eyes in time to catch
the faint rose flush of dawn reflected from the east. She raised herself
on her elbow to watch the light grow.

"It is a fair day for the child," she whispered to herself. "How good God
is!" Then she slept again for a long, restful space, and woke refreshed,
so that Katy's secret fear that Cousin Helen might be ill from excitement,
and not able to come to her wedding, was not realized.

Clover, meantime, had slept soundly all night. She and Katy shared the
same room, and waked almost at the same moment. It was early still; but
the sisters felt bright and rested and ready for work, so they rose at
once.

They dressed in silence, after a little whispered rejoicing over the
beautiful morning, and in silence took their Bibles an