n down stairs,
to view the new beauty, and the bride jerked the flowery clapper by its
white ribbon; then departed in haste, and with a sudden shyness, as Dr.
Barnett and the minister, were seen coming slowly up the walk.

No one cried when the supreme moment came, though Kittie was heard to
sniff suspiciously, and Kat stared straight at a certain spot in the
ceiling, until she was pretty near sightless; while Ernestine's eyes
rested on the young wife's face, with a loving wistful sadness, that was
pathetic, and made Mr. Congreve whisk his handkerchief briskly about his
eyes. Mrs. Dering stood with her arm about Jean, Olive was next with her
arm in Mr. Congreve's, and so they listened, and watched the little
ceremony that gave Bea to another, and left the first vacancy in the
home nest. As soon as it was over, and the rush of congratulations and
kisses were given, Dr. Barnett took Bea's hand and with a lowly bow,
said to them all:

"Mother and sisters, relatives and friends, my wife and I will be
pleased to have you come with us to our new home, and help eat our
wedding breakfast."

Everybody buzzed with surprise, and looked for explanation to every one
else; but no one seemed to know more than another, even Bea, blushing
like a rose, as she put on her new hat, looked as surprised as anybody.
So there was nothing to be done but wait for some revelation.

The walk from the old home to the new, was very short, and as the gay
party took it in the warm sunshine, every one on the way called, or
smiled their congratulations to the pretty bride who walked with Uncle
Ridley, while the young husband followed with his new-made mother. When
they came in sight of the little cottage, there was smoke coming gayly
from the kitchen chimney, and the front door stood widely open.

"What is it?" whispered Kittie, in a spasm of curiosity.

"A breakfast already for them," answered Olive. "Dr. Barnett has got
Huldah, and Bea doesn't know it."

Well, dear me, what a jolly confusion did follow. Bea was too much
overcome to welcome any one to her new home, and nearly gave way to
tears when Huldah was seen bowing ecstatically in the back-ground, and
saying over and over: "Welcome home, Mrs. Barnett, how-dy-do?"

"This is where Uncle Ridley and Olive were last night," cried Jean
excitedly, throwing open the parlor door, and pushing Mrs. Barnett in.
"Just look!"

Bea tried to speak, but couldn't, and threw her arms about Mr.
Congreve's