parts could be
discerned. Nowadays, nobody doubts that the light falling from the
left on the boisterous company is that of the sun. The musketeers are
remarching out of the high archway of their hall, crossing the street
in front of it, and going up a bridge. The architecture of the
building is a product of Rembrandt's imagination. The steps, also,
which we see the men descending, were put there simply to make those
at the back show out above those in the front ranks. The march out was
to be above all a portrait group. Sixteen persons had each paid their
contributions, a hundred guilders on the average, to have their
likenesses transmitted to posterity, and every one of them was
therefore to be fully visible."

"It is certainly a wonderful picture," said Mary, "and while I have
seen few pictures painted by old masters, I think, even with my
limited knowledge of art, I cannot fail to appreciate this excellent
copy, and I thank you heartily. Professor, and shall always be
reminded of you when I look at this copy of a great work."

Mary would not go empty-handed to Ralph at her marriage. Her "hope
chest" in the attic was full to overflowing, and quite unique in
itself, as it consisted of an old, in fact ancient, wooden dough-tray
used in times past by Aunt Sarah's grandmother. Beside it stood a
sewing table, consisting of three discarded broom handles supporting a
cheese-box cover, with wooden cheese-box underneath for holding Mary's
sewing; stained brown and cretonne lined. Mary valued it as the result
of the combined labor of herself and Ralph Jackson. A roll of new,
home-made rag carpet, patchwork quilts and "New Colonial" rugs, jars
of fruit, dried sweet corn, home-made soap, crocks of apple butter,
jellies, jams and canned vegetables all bore evidence of Mary's busy
Summer at the farm.

The day of Mary's marriage, the twelfth of October, dawned clear and
bright, sunshine warm as a day in June. In the centre of the
gayly-decorated old farm house parlor, wearing a simple, little,
inexpensive dress of soft, creamy muslin, we find Mary standing beside
Ralph, who is looking supremely satisfied and happy, although a trifle
pale and nervous, listening to the solemn words of the minister.
Ralph's "I will" sounded clearly and distinctly through the long room.
Mary, with a sweet, serious, faraway look in her blue eyes, repeated
slowly after the minister, "I promise to love, honor and"--then a long
pause. She glanced shyly