so am I, dearest Thurston! very, very happy in the idea of being
with you. Thank God!" said the warm-hearted girl, offering her hand,
which he took and covered with kisses.

Thurston's good fortune was not over. His star was still in the
ascendant, for after the morning service, while the congregation were
leaving the church, he saw Mrs. Waugh beckon him to her side. He quickly
obeyed the summons. And then, the lady said:

"I may not see you again soon, Thurston, and, therefore, I tell you
now--that if you intend to join our party to Washington, you must make
all your arrangements to come ever to Locust Hill on Tuesday evening,
and spend the night with us; as we start at a very early hour on
Wednesday morning, and should not like to be kept waiting. My Hebe is
also coming on Tuesday evening, to stay all night. Now, not a word,
Thurston, I know what dilatory folks young people are. And I know very
well that if I don't make sure of you on Tuesday evening, you will keep
us a full hour beyond our time on Wednesday morning--you know you will."

Thurston was secretly delighted. To spend the evening with Marian! to
spend the night under the same roof with her--preparatory to their
social journey in the morning. Thurston began to think that he was born
under a lucky planet. He laughingly assured Mrs. Waugh that he had not
the slightest intention or wish to dispute her commands, and that on
Tuesday evening he should present himself punctually at the supper-table
at Locust Hill. He further informed her that as his grandfather had most
arbitrarily forced upon him the use of his new gig, he should bring it,
and offer Miss Mayfield a seat.

It was now Mrs. Waugh's turn to be delighted, and to declare that she
was very glad--that it would be so much easier and pleasanter to her
Hebe, than the cold, exposed, and fatiguing equestrian manner of
traveling. "But mind, young gentleman, you are not to make love to my
Hebe! for we all think her far too good for mortal man!" laughed Mrs.
Waugh.

Thurston gravely promised that he would not--if he could help it. And
so, with mutual good feeling, they shook hands and separated.

On Monday evening, at his farewell lecture, Thurston met Marian again,
and joyfully announced to her the invitation that Mrs. Waugh had
extended to him. And the maiden's delightful smile assured him of her
full sympathy with his gladness.

And on Tuesday evening, the whole party for Washington was assembled
arou