on a new and untried sphere, nor seeking to fulfil a
position which may be, and is very delightful, but which carries with
it a large amount of responsibility. The duties of a bridesmaid are
altogether easy and pleasant, and Grace had no difficulty in consenting
to take them upon herself.

But Mary Ann was not easily satisfied. "I want Grace for a week," she
said. "She can help me to do many things toward getting my new home in
order, and helping me with the necessary preparations with my own
dress; and I am sure that a week is none too long for so much."

"Would you like to go for a week, Grace!" asked her mother.

"I never like being away from home," replied Grace, "but, upon such an
occasion as this, I think Mary Ann ought to have her own way."

Everybody thought the same, and Grace accordingly arranged to go. But
so endeared was the lighthouse-home to Grace Darling, and so dear was
she to the hearts of the dwellers there, that although her absence was
to be only a short one, yet, when she received the parting kiss of her
mother, and the blessing of her father, the affectionate girl shed
tears of regret at having to leave them.

Grace, however, never forgot the week that followed, nor the happy time
that she spent with her sister. She listened with hearty interest and
sympathy to all the hopes of the bride--to the plans that she had
formed, and the resolutions she had made. She heartily entered into
all that concerned Mary Ann, and was not sorry to have so good an
opportunity of becoming better acquainted with her brother-in-law, whom
she soon learned to love and respect. A man must need be worthy, if a
loving girl is willing to give her dear sister into his keeping, and in
this case Grace was not afraid. He took his new sister into his
confidence, and showed her the neat and comfortable home which he had
prepared for his bride, and which altogether pleased her.

"And you must come to see us as often as you can, Grace. Remember
there will always be a welcome for you, come when you may."

"Thank you," said Grace. "I cannot get away from home very often, but
I will come when I can. At all events I am most glad to be here now;
and I know mother will be delighted to hear all that I shall have to
tell. She will want to know full particulars about every table and
chair in Mary's Ann's new home."

"Then you must describe everything to her; and tell her we shall not be
satisfied until she and Mr. Darling