e she had looked
at the clock on the mantelpiece as though wondering at her lateness.

The folding-doors were open; the young couple had taken advantage of
their improved circumstances to add to their scanty stock of furniture.
The dining-table and mahogany chairs bought second-hand in Dr.
Luttrell's bachelor days and the small, ugly chiffonier had been moved
into the smaller and duller back room, and the front parlour had been
transformed into a dainty sitting-room. Greta's skilful fingers and
good taste had been placed at her friend's service. To gratify
Marcus's love of comfort two really handsome saddle-back chairs were
beside the fireplace, and a little round table occupied the centre of
the room. A second-hand writing-table with drawers had been picked up
in the city as a great bargain and appropriated for Marcus's use. Over
it hung the sketch of Dot and the kitten, long ago presented by the
grateful artist. The pretty blue carpet and curtains gave an air of
finish.

By Marcus's desire the folding-doors were always kept open, and Olivia
no longer felt herself stifled for want of air. This afternoon the
little sitting-room looked at its best. A bowl of dark-red cactus
dahlias stood on the table, an offering from Alwyn, and a magnificent
_Lilium auratum_, a gift from Greta, blocked up the dining-room window.

When the door-bell rang Olivia laid down her work with a pleased smile,
and the next moment Greta entered the room.

"How late you are, you naughty girl," she said, kissing her
affectionately. "I have been sewing for the last hour."

"Yes, I know; something unforeseen detained me," and then Greta dropped
her eyes in sudden embarrassment and blushed. "Oh, Olive dear, can you
guess what I have to tell you this afternoon?" and then Olivia looked
at her steadily.

"Do you mean," she began, anxiously--but Greta, blushing still more
rosily, interrupted her, "Yes, I do mean it; and, Olive, dear friend,
truest of friends, you must congratulate me, for I am so happy."

"You take my breath away, Greta. Are you and Alwyn actually engaged?"

"Yes, dear, we settled it this afternoon; but, of course--of course, I
have known for weeks what he meant and wished. He has gone round now
to tell his father, and will be here presently. Dear Olive, why are
you so silent? Are you not glad about this?"

"I am glad that anything should make you happy," returned Olivia,
gently. "And you know how deeply interested