ary. No such catastrophe occurred to mar their felicity, and the
little party safely reached the hospitable mansion of Parson Grey, and
were received with every demonstration of joy and welcome by the
expectant inmates. Aunt Rachel was in her highest cap, and soon
commenced preparations for the bridal supper, on which she had expended
her utmost, and expected to derive much commendation therefrom; but now,
Annie, little whimsie! overturned all her hopes at once. She had set her
heart on eating her bridal supper with Aunt Patty at the rock cottage in
Scraggiewood, and Sheldon declared it _his_ wish too.

Parson Grey was of opinion the young couple should be left to act their
own pleasure in the matter, and all finally coincided; Aunt Rachel with
some disappointed looks, that Aunt Patty's oaten cakes should gain the
preference to her rich, frosted loaves; but she reflected that her
sumptuous banquet could be displayed and partaken of some other day; and
so she smoothed her brow and joined the rest in wishing Frank and Annie
a pleasant walk to Scraggiewood.

As evening closed in, the happy couple, arm in arm, and unattended, took
their way over the rough forest path. Annie had so much to tell of her
early years passed there, and he was so intent on listening, that they
were close upon the cottage, ere they seemed to have passed over one
half the distance.

"What a wild, weird spot!" he exclaimed. "No wonder you have such
glorious fancies, love."

Annie motioned him to be silent; she had caught a glimpse of her aunt
sitting in the porch.

"Come quick," she said, and in a moment they stood before the startled
old lady. Annie flung her arm over her neck and said: "Here's Annie and
her husband come to Scraggiewood to take their bridal supper with their
dear aunty."

The old lady returned her darling's embrace warmly, but looked rather
abashed and disconcerted at beholding so fine a gentleman; but when he
advanced and shook her heartily by the hand, expressing in eloquent
words his gratitude to her for rearing so bright a flower to bless his
life, she gradually regained her composure; and with the young couple
roaming round the hut, out under the trees, and away into the woods in
the clear moonlight to search up Crummie, for Annie said, "Frank must
become acquainted with all her friends,"--the joyful dame set about
preparing a repast. She managed to get on her new gown and cap while
they were out, for their sudden arriva