Alfaretta, who had never minded rain nor snow, a
long desired umbrella; for Jim a Greek lexicon; for Mabel Bruce an
exquisite fan; and after the tastes of all something they would always
prize. In fact, Mrs. Calvert had early left the Fair and spent her
time in shopping; and Seth knew, if the younger ones did not, that far
more than the equivalent of the famous one hundred dollars had been
expended to give these young folks pleasure.

"Oh! what is it, Master! What is it? Have you settled on the play?
Will you assign the characters and let us get to studying, so we can
make a success of it to-night?" cried Helena, rather anxiously.

"I have settled on the play. Rather it has been settled for me. As for
characters they will need no study, since each and all are to appear
in this most marvelous drama in their own original selves."

"Why, Mr. Seth, what do you mean? You look so happy and yet as if
something had made you feel bad, too;" said Dorothy, slipping her hand
into his as he dropped it to his side.

"Oh! I tell you I am happy! So will many another be, 'up-mounting' on
this auspicious day. Talk about partings--there are going to be
meetings, meetings galore. In short, I won't mystify you any longer
though I am half-mystified myself. Attention! Leah Sands will give a
House Party this afternoon at Heartsease Farm and we and all who'll
accept are bidden to attend at three o'clock sharp."

"Leah--that's Luna? How can she do a thing like that?"

"Well, it can be done in her name, I reckon. Just as this was
Dorothy's and somebody else managed it; eh, lassie? The Friends speak
when the Spirit moves. At last, by the power of grief and remorse, by
the power of Love, the Spirit of unselfishness and humility has moved
upon the heart of Oliver Sands. One is never too old to learn; and,
thank God, some are never too old to acknowledge their ignorance! He
isn't, and to prove it he is doing this thing. His messengers are
speeding everywhere. Caterers from Newburgh have had hurry-up orders
to provide a bountiful feast and old Heartsease Farm is to be the
scene of an 'Infair' that will beat Dorothy's to--smithereens! I mean,
begging her ladyship's pardon, in point of size. Leah is to be the
guest of honor, since she cannot preside; but be sure she'll not
disgrace her proud brother since at Dorothy's Party she has learned
how harmless are even strangers. Yes, I can safely say that Leah made
her debut with us. Now, who'll accept?