the money-hoon without a
quarrel? But of course you did."

Elsie, who had for a moment looked slightly puzzled by the new word, now
answered with a smile of comprehension, "Oh, yes, auntie; surely we should
be a sad couple if even the honeymoon were disturbed by a disagreement.
But Edward and I never mean to quarrel."

Mr. Dinsmore turned in his chair, and gave his daughter a glance of
mingled surprise and disapprobation.

"There, papa, I knew you would think me disrespectful," she exclaimed with
a deep blush; "but he insisted, indeed ordered me, and you know I have
promised to obey."

"It is quite true," assented Mr. Travilla, coloring in his turn; "but I
told her it was the only order I ever meant to give her."

"Better not make rash promises," said Mr. Dinsmore, laughing; "these wives
are sometimes inclined to take advantage of them."

"Treason! treason!" cried Rose, lifting her hands; "to think you'd say
that before me!

"'Husband, husband, cease your strife
No longer idly rove, sir;
Tho' I am your wedded wife,
Yet I am not your slave, sir.'"

There was a general laugh, in the midst of which the tea-bell rang.

"Come," said the elder Mrs. Travilla good-humoredly, "don't be setting a
bad example to my children, Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, but let us all adjourn
amicably to the tea-room, and try the beneficial effect of meat and drink
upon our tempers."

"That's a very severe reproof, coming from so mild a person as yourself,
Mrs. Travilla," said Rose. "My dear, give your arm to Aunt Wealthy, or our
hostess. The ladies being so largely in the majority, the younger ones
should be left to take care of themselves; of course excepting our bride.
Miss King, will you take my arm?"

"Sit here, my daughter," said Mrs. Travilla, indicating the seat before
the tea-urn.

"Mother, I did not come here to turn you out of your rightful place,"
objected Elsie, blushing painfully.

"My dear child, it is your own place; as the wife of the master of the
house, you are its mistress. And if you knew how I long to see you
actually filling that position; how glad I am to resign the reigns to such
hands as yours, you need not hesitate or hold back."

"Yes; take it, wife," said Mr. Travilla, in tender, reassuring tones, as
he led her to the seat of honor; "I know my mother is sincere (she is
never anything else), and she told me long ago, even before she knew who
was to be her daughter, how glad she wo