arly appointed by Providence.

Three months was the shortest interval which could respectably elapse
between a funeral and a wedding: three months, taken in conjunction with
the date of half-yearly sales, was the period necessary for the
preparation of a trousseau; quarter-day falling in September, there
would be time to prepare for a removal after the wedding was over. It
must be a quiet wedding, of course, very quiet, but _white_. Certainly
Teresa must have a white wedding. It had been talked of so much, her
young friends had been asked to be bridesmaids. Papa would not have
liked a hole-and-corner affair. Papa dead was an even more convenient
Jorkins than Papa living, and, to judge from his widow's reminiscences,
would seem to have entertained strong opinions concerning the weddings
of young girls. Simple, of course; quite simple, but a white dress
_and_ bridesmaids, _and_ an assemblage of friends. So sweet to be
surrounded by loving hearts! And a cold collation. Champagne cup.
Handed round _after_ the tea and coffee. Two or three bottles would be
ample. "Teresa," said the widow beaming, "will look beautiful in
charmeuse!"

Peignton, like every other prospective bridegroom, would have preferred
to be married in an empty church, but Teresa sparkled at the prospect of
recovering her prestige in the eyes of the neighbourhood, and it was not
for him to refuse her the satisfaction.

The day after the funeral Peignton left Chumley. Teresa took it for
granted that he would not return until the date of the wedding, but it
was arranged that during the interval she should procure the chaperonage
of a married friend, and pay a week's visit to her future home, when
such important questions as carpets and wall-papers could be discussed.

"We won't be in a hurry to furnish the whole house. We'll start with
just what is necessary, and amuse ourselves with picking up the
superfluities one by one. It will be jolly collecting treasures on our
honeymoon. If we go off the beaten route, we shall find lots of happy
hunting grounds. It will give the sticks an added value to remember how
we bought them,--eh, little girl?" Peignton said, smiling. The
old-time interest in the prospect of introducing Teresa to the beauties
of new lands was struggling into new life. The prospect of a home
gained hourly in sweetness.

During the next few days the Chumley matrons garbed themselves in black,
and, with discreetly lengthened