n each sister's voice; and, after all, it is no small
thing to be going off alone, with a trunk filled by loving hands, a new
cocked hat that is becoming, and the pleasing thought of looking well in
all respects, and perhaps "distinguished."

The day for departure came at last; and in the afternoon sunshine,
Olive, trunk and satchel stood on the porch, waiting for the express
wagon; and the front door stood open, and there was a great deal of
laughing and talking going on within, that sounded very gay and happy.
Dr. Barnett had taken advantage of the little excitement to drop in,
though he had been around only the evening before, and bid Olive
good-bye, with much ceremony and many good wishes; but no one seemed to
object to his being on hand again, for Bea looked her unconscious
happiness, and Mrs. Dering was cordial and kind, and the young doctor
was in a dream of bliss.

"Where's Ralph?" exclaimed Olive, suddenly, when the real good-bye
moment had fairly come; if such it could be called, when the whole
family were going to the depot with the young traveller.

"He's gone, sure enough!" said Kittie, after some hasty and lusty
calling had taken place. "I suppose he's gone on down to the train; but
it's funny the wagon don't come."

"I'll trot down to the gate and see if it is in sight," volunteered Kat,
who was obliged to keep moving as a vent to excitement; but just as she
started, there rattled up to the gate, in great style, the handsomest of
Canfield's two hacks, and out of it sprang Ralph.

"I wanted you to go off in style," he said, well pleased with himself
when he saw Olive's delighted look. "Here cabby, is the trunk! Now,
ladies--hollo, doctor! you going to the train?"

"Well, really," said Dr. Barnett, hesitating, "I hadn't thought, but, if
Miss Olive will allow me, I'll be happy."

He said Miss Olive, but, bless you! he looked right straight at Miss
Beatrice, and she smiled; and after that, neither ever knew whether
Olive was willing or not.

"This is putting on style with a vengeance," said Kat, as the ladies
seated themselves in the back, after the trunk had been tossed aloft.
"People will think the whole family is departing for Europe."

CHAPTER XV.

CONGREVE HALL.

"That's Olive! that's Olive! Oh I'm so glad; hurry James, there she is!"

It was an eager, childish voice, ringing joyfully through the Staunton
depot, and making every one turn and smile at the speaker, who stood in
a lar