one whom she believes struggling with poverty; never mind, I
shall get the laugh on her yet."

At an early hour the following morning the venerable village pastor
pronounced the nuptial benediction; and with the hearty good wishes of
the old farmer and the dame, and followed by the loving eyes of Hetty,
the new married pair bade farewell to the spot consecrated to so many
happy hours.

A ride of a few miles brought them to the steamboat; and just as the
rays of the setting sun gilded the spires and roofs of the city, the
boat touched the wharf.

And now Frank's heart beat almost audibly, as he thought how rapidly
the moment was approaching when, throwing off all disguise, he should
lead his lovely bride to his own princely dwelling.

And Ursula, too, had never looked so beautiful--had never felt so
proud and happy; proud to present her husband to her good uncle and
aunt, who were waiting to welcome them; happy that her beloved Frank
would no longer have to plod on life's dull round in poverty and
loneliness.

It certainly was happiness to be an heiress.

"Ursula," said Frank, as the carriage rolled rapidly over the
pavements, "will you do me a favor?"

"Most certainly, dear Frank--what is it?"

"My sister, poor girl," replied Leland, in some embarrassment,
"resides on the route to _your_ residence; will you alight there just
for one moment, that I may have the happiness of bringing together the
two dearest objects of my heart?"

"Order the carriage to stop when you please, Frank--I, too, am
impatient to embrace your sister," replied the blushing Ursula.

The carriage soon turned into a fashionable street, even at that early
hour brilliant with gas lights. Elegant equipages rolled past; already
lights streamed, and music sounded from many splendid dwellings. Soon
the carriage drew up before one even more splendid--the steps were let
down--the door thrown wide by a servant in livery, and, with mingled
pride and tenderness irradiating his fine countenance, and meeting
with a smile her perplexed and wondering glance, Frank led his fair
bride into a spacious and beautiful apartment, taste and elegance
pervading all its arrangements. A young girl sprang from the sofa, and
came tripping to meet them.

"My sister Helen, dearest Ursula. Helen, embrace your sister, and
welcome her to the home she is henceforth to grace."

Then leading the agitated girl to a seat, he threw himself on his
knees before her, saying,