dance," she finally said half aloud, and, rising,
knelt beside her couch, earnestly beseeching her best friend to make her
way plain before her face, to lead and guide her all her journey through.
Then, calmed and quieted by casting her burden on the Lord, she lay down
again and presently fell into a deep, sweet sleep. She was awakened by a
gentle tap on the door, then Violet's voice asking:

"Can I come in for one moment, Cousin Annis?" At that she rose and opened
the door, saying.

"Indeed you can, Vi. But what--who----?" as Violet handed her a bunch of
Scotch heather, her eyes dancing with mirth and pleasure as she did so,
for at the sight of the flowers a crimson flush had suddenly suffused
Annis' cheek.

"You see what," she said, "and the who is Cousin Ronald. Oh, Cousin Annis,
I am so glad if only you won't reject him! and he's a dear old man; almost
too old for you, I acknowledge, but don't say no on that account. Be 'an
old man's darling,' there's a dear! for then we'll have you close beside
us in that lovely Beechwood."

A silent caress was Annis' only reply, and Violet slipped away, leaving
her once more alone. For a brief space Annis stood gazing down at the
flowers in her hand with a tender smile on her lips, the roses coming and
going on her cheek. They seemed to be whispering to her of priceless love
and tenderness; for Mr. Lilburn was a hale, hearty man, looking much
younger than his years: he might outlive her, but years of genial
companionship might well be hoped for in this world, to be eventually
followed by a blissful eternity in another and better land, for they were
followers of the same Master, travelling the same road--toward the city
which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Yes, she did
indeed love the dear old man; she knew it now, and her heart sang for joy
as she hastened to array herself in the most becoming dress she had at
hand and pinned his flowers in the bosom of her gown.

He was alone in the saloon as she entered it, and turning at the sound of
her light step, came forward to greet her with outstretched hand, his eyes
shining with pleasure at the sight of his flowers and the sweet, blushing
face above them.

"Ah, my darling! you do not despise my little gift," he said low and
tenderly, taking quiet possession of her hand. "May I hope you will show
equal favor to the giver?"

"If--if you think--if you are sure, quite sure, you will never repent and
grow weary of