ybody's assistant, had taken upon himself the
arrangement of this evening's festival, that his wife might not be
fatigued and disturbed by it.

At supper the betrothed sat side by side, and Jacobi behaved sometimes
as if he would purposely seize upon his bride's plate as well as his
own, which gave rise to many dignified looks, to settings-to-rights
again, and a deal of merriment besides.

Later in the evening, when they all went to rest, Louise found her
toilet-table covered with presents from bridegroom, parents, sisters,
and friends. A great deal of work was from Petrea. These gifts awakened
in Louise mingled feelings of joy and pain, and as she hastened yet once
again to embrace the beloved ones from whom she was about so soon to
separate, many mutual tears were shed. But evening dew is prophetic of a
bright morrow--that was the case here.

FOOTNOTES:

[19] There is some new kind of porridge for almost every week in the
year in Sweden, with which the table is most religiously served.--M. H.

CHAPTER XV.

THE WEDDING-DAY.

The sun shone bright and warm on that morning of Whit-Monday. Flowers
and leaves glistened in the morning dew; the birds sang; the bells of
the city rang festively and gaily; the myrtle-crown was ready woven
early, and the mother and Leonore were present at the toilet of the
bride. They expected that Jacobi would make his appearance in the
highest state of elegance, and hoped that his appearance would not dim
that of the bride. Louise's sisters made her appearance on this occasion
of more importance than she herself did. Gabriele dressed her hair--she
possessed an actual talent for this art--half-blown rose-buds were
placed in the myrtle wreath; and what with one, and what with another
little innocent art of the toilet, a most happy effect was produced.
Louise looked particularly well in her simple, tasteful, bridal
dress--for the greatest part of the work of her own skilful hands--and
the content, and the beautiful repose which diffused itself over her
countenance, spread a glorification over all.

"You look so pale to-day in your white dress, my little Eva," said
Leonore, as she helped her to dress--"you must have something pink on
your neck to brighten you up, else our bride will be anxious when she
sees you."

"As you will, Leonore! I can put this handkerchief on, that it may give
a little reflected colour to my cheek. I will not distress any one."

* * *