fer from hunger when in my power to relieve it."

"Patriotic songs first, please, mamma," entreated Walter, as she took
her seat before the instrument. "I do believe we all feel like singing
'Hail, Columbia!' and the 'Star-Spangled Banner.' At least I do, I am
sure."

"I presume we are all in a patriotic frame of mind to-night," she
returned, giving him a smile of mingled love and pride as she struck a
chord or two, then dashed off into "Yankee-doodle-dandy," with
variations.

"Hail Columbia!" and "Star-Spangled Banner" followed, old and young
uniting together with enthusiasm in singing the patriotic words, but
still other voices were unexpectedly heard joining in on the concluding
strains:

"That star-spangled banner, oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

"Oh, Cousin Molly and Mr. Embury! Dick, too! and Betty!" cried Violet,
hurrying with outstretched hand toward the doorway into the hall, where
the cousins stood in a little group looking smilingly in upon them.
"Come in; I am delighted to see you."

The invitation was promptly accepted, and for the next few minutes there
was a tumultuous exchange of joyous greetings.

Dr. Percival and his half brother, Robert Johnson, had been spending
some months together in Europe, their sister Betty visiting friends in
Natchez through the winter, and only that morning the three had returned
to Magnolia Hall, where Betty had a home with her sister Molly, and the
brothers were always welcome guests.

Presently all were seated and a very animated conversation ensued, the
newly arrived having much to tell and many inquiries to make concerning
absent friends and relatives.

After a little it came out that Betty was engaged and shortly to be
married, provided "Uncle Horace" was satisfied with regard to the
suitableness of the match, of which no one acquainted with the
reputation, family, and circumstances of the favored lover, felt any
doubt.

It was a love match on both sides; the gentleman, an American, engaged
in a lucrative business, of irreproachable character and reputation,
pleasing appearance and manners, in fact, all that could reasonably be
desired, assured of which, Mr. Dinsmore gave a prompt consent, adding
his warm congratulations, which Betty accepted with blushes and smiles.

"I was not unprepared for this, Betty," he said with a smile, "having
received a letter from the gentleman himself, asking for the hand