yet," she observed,
blushing. "There is plenty of time for that. I shall have seven weeks
for my preparations. I want to tell you about yesterday, Olive. You
know I had promised to have luncheon at Galvaston House, and that Alwyn
was to fetch me, but before we left this house it was all settled, and
after luncheon Alwyn told his father. The dear old man was so pleased;
he made Alwyn bring down his mother's trinkets, a pearl necklace and
some diamond stars, and such splendid rings that he had given her, and
he told Alwyn that they were all for me; you know I never cared much
for jewelry, but Alwyn will always want me to be well dressed, so I
shall have to be smart. I think I liked best a little cross set with
diamonds, that Olive used to wear; he gave me that, too."

"How pleased Alwyn must have been."

"Yes, and, of course, I was pleased, too; and then Mr. Gaythorne made
Alwyn take me over the house. What a handsome house it is, Olive! I
like it ever so much better than Brunswick Place. I had no idea it was
so large, but Mr. Gaythorne said that Italian palaces had spoilt him,
and that he must always have plenty of space. There is a room on the
first floor opening into the conservatory that will make a charming
morning-room, and then the studio is so lovely. Alwyn has been buying
such beautiful things, and there is to be a corner fitted up for my
use, where my embroidery frame can stand. I shall so love to watch him
work; but oh, Olive, is it not absurd? Mr. Gaythorne talks of
refurnishing the drawing-room, but it is not the least necessary. I
want you to convince him of this, and to beg him not to spend money so
needlessly. I have so many nice things of my own; all this beautiful
china and those inlaid Japanese cabinets. A new carpet and a little
fresh cretonne is all that is needed. And I know Alwyn agrees with me."

"Very well, then, we must bring Mr. Gaythorne to reason."

"I took Mrs. Crampton into confidence," went on Greta, "when she showed
me the kitchen and store-rooms. What a nice creature she is, and how
admirably she manages! There is to be another maid kept, so I asked if
I might bring Merton; she has been with us so many years that I should
dislike to part with her, and Alwyn has promised to speak to his
father."

Olivia listened and approved; there was no mistaking Greta's happiness;
she looked on the bright side of everything, and would allow of no
drawbacks. When Olivia ventured