ous, and I want to get away before all those Ellridges come
into our house. Dr. Ellridge can't let his house before spring, and
so I think in a month, if I can get ready." Lily blushed until her
face was like the heart of a rose.

"Well, you have a number of very pretty dresses now," said Maria. "I
should think you could get ready."

"I shall have to get a wedding-dress made, and a tea-gown, and one
besides for receiving calls," said Lily. "Then I must have some
underwear. Will you go shopping with me in Westbridge some Saturday,
Maria?"

"I should be very glad to do so, dear," replied Maria.

"That is a very pretty lace on your waist," Lily said, meditatively.
"I think I shall get ready-made things. It takes so much time to make
them one's self, and besides I think they are just as pretty. Don't
you?"

"I think one can buy very pretty ready-made things," Maria said. She
slipped on her blouse and fastened her collar.

"I shall be so much obliged to you if you will go," said Lily. "I
won't ask mother. To tell you the truth, Maria, I think it is
dreadful that she is going to marry again--a widower with three
grown-up daughters, too."

"I don't see why," Maria said, dropping her black skirt over her head.

"You don't see why?"

"No, not if it makes her happy. People have a right to all the
happiness they can get, at all ages. I used to think myself that
older people were silly to want things like young people, but now I
have changed my mind. Dr. Ellridge is a good man, and I dare say your
mother will be happier, especially if you are going away."

"Oh, if she had not been going to get married herself, I should
rather have lived at home, after I was married," said Lily. She
looked reflectively at Maria as she fastened her belt. "It's queer,"
she said, "but I do believe my feeling so terribly about mother's
marrying made George ask me sooner. Of course, he must have meant to
ask me some time, or he would not have asked me at all."

"Of course," said Maria, getting her hat from the closet-shelf.

"But he walked home with me from the concert last night, and I
couldn't help crying, I felt so dreadfully. Then he asked me what the
matter was, and I told him, and then he asked me right away. I think
maybe he had thought of waiting a little, but that hastened him. Oh,
Maria, I am so happy!"

Maria fastened on her hat carefully. "I am very glad, dear," she
said. She turned from the glass, and Lily's face, smiling at