, from care released,
The shout of them that triumph,
The song of them that feast.
And they, who with their Leader,
Have conquered in the fight,
For ever and for ever
Are clad in robes of white.
"O sweet and blessed country,
The home of God's elect!
O sweet and blessed country,
That eager hearts expect!
Jesus, in mercy bring us
To that dear land of rest;
Who art, with God the Father,
And Spirit, ever blest,"
"Thank you very much, gentlemen," said Mildred as the last notes died
away. "What lovely words those are! Ah, they make one almost envious of
that dear woman who has already reached that happy land where sin and
sorrow are unknown."
"And death never enters," added Grandma Elsie low and feelingly. "Oh,
'blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'"
CHAPTER XXII.
The wedding morning dawned bright and clear. All the invited guests who
had passed the night on shore were early arrivals upon the yacht, which
then immediately started across the lake, heading for Michigan City.
The crew had outdone themselves in making everything about the vessel even
more than ordinarily clean and bright, and everyone was arrayed in holiday
attire. The young men of the party had taken care to provide abundance of
flowers, especially for the saloon where the ceremony was to take place.
There they all assembled, drawn by the familiar strains of the Bridal
Chorus from "Lohengrin," played by Violet on the small pipe organ which
the captain's thoughtfulness had provided for his wife's amusement and his
own pleasure, as well as that of his daughters.
A hush fell upon them as Cyril entered and took his appointed place,
followed closely by the bridal party, which consisted of Mr. and Mrs.
Dinsmore and the bride and groom; Annis preferring to be without
bridesmaids, and Mr. Dinsmore having expressed a desire to take a
father's part and give her away.
The short and simple ceremony was soon over, and after the customary
congratulations and good wishes, all repaired to the dining saloon where
they partook of a delicious breakfast.
All this time the vessel was speeding on her way, and the lake being calm,
and such breeze as there was favorable, she made excellent headway,
carrying them into their port in good season for catching their trains
without being unpleasantly hurried.
Then the _Dolphin_ turned and retraced her course, arrivi
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