weet to hear the
thankfulness with which she speaks of every little attention we showed
her father when at sea. It was your considerate goodness that
suggested it all."

"You must let me have your princess, John, for a few minutes," said
his mother. "You have to consider her, and that there are subjects
that we can discuss better without you."

"I agree to five minutes, and no longer," said John, with some warmth.
"For goodness' sake, mother, do not be unreasonable, and keep her an
unconscionable time."

"There is no doubt of his affection for you, Helga," said Mrs. Hardy,
"and it is a joy to me to see it; but come into my sitting-room, and
tell me what you have done about your wedding-dress."

"Here is the money you kindly gave me," replied Helga. "I have thought
it over, and I think that John would rather marry me just as I am than
that I should appear any different; and my father, I feel, would wish
it so." Mrs. Hardy recollected the cloud on the Pastor's open face
when her son had referred to giving Helga a wedding-dress. "I have,
therefore, not used any of the money, Mrs. Hardy," added Helga; "but I
am very grateful for your considering me as if I were your daughter."

"I will always act a mother's part to you, Helga," said Mrs. Hardy;
"your freedom from selfishness, as well as honesty of feeling, make me
love and respect you. It is not money, or money's worth, that is
everything. I have always taught my son that kindliness is the real
gold of life."

"When John came here first," said Helga, "he said that, and my father
has liked him from that moment."

"But you did not, Helga?" said Mrs. Hardy, as if asking the question,
and smiling.

"I did, really," replied Helga; "but I thought it was wrong to think
of him, and I treated him in a manner of which I am ashamed. I would
give anything to recall what I said to him."

John Hardy came bustling in. "Mother!" he exclaimed, "I really cannot
let you take up all Helga's time with discussions."

"What we have discussed, John, is yourself," said his mother, "and I
can wish for nothing better for you than Helga's golden truth and
love. You can take her for a walk in the woods until lunch, but mind,
John, to be back punctually at one."

"Why, that is only an hour, mother," protested John, who was becoming
quite unreasonable and impatient.

"And twelve times as long as you would let your mother speak to her
daughter that is to be," said Mrs. Hardy.

"Now, Helg