returned with
grave earnestness, then began his dictation.

They made rapid work and had finished and joined Keith upon the veranda
before the ringing of the breakfast bell summoned all to their morning
meal.

"Rosie has an ideal wedding day, I think," remarked Violet as she poured
the coffee; "that shower in the night having laid the dust in the roads
and made the air deliciously cool."

"Also refreshed vegetation," added her husband, "so that trees and
shrubs and flowers are as fresh and fragrant as possible."

"The sun shines brightly, too," added Grace, "reminding one of the old
saying I have so often heard quoted: 'Happy is the bride on whom the sun
shines.'"

"It is pleasant to see it shining, yet I do not believe Rosie would
hesitate a moment, or feel the least anxiety about its effect upon her
future happiness, if the rain were pouring down," said Lucilla; "because
she has great confidence in her bridegroom that is to be, and not a
particle of superstition in her nature."

"That is giving her high praise," said Keith, "for there are few who are
entirely free from it, though very many are hardly aware of its hold
upon them."

"You are quite correct, I think, sir," remarked Dr. Percival; "we are
all apt to be blind to our own feelings, and hardly conscious that our
prejudices and superstitions are such, blind to our weakness--even more
to the mental than to the physical."

"Then how well it is that there is no occasion for their exercise, or
for battling with them to-day," observed Violet in a sprightly tone;
"and though, of course, mamma and all of us must, when Rosie is gone,
miss our constant sweet companionship with her, we ought not to mourn,
but rather rejoice that she is going into a Christian family and gaining
a devoted Christian for a life companion."

"Yes; that is indeed a cause for joy and gratitude," said Keith.

"Father, will Mr. Croly be any relation to us after he gets married to
Aunt Rosie?" queried Ned.

"Yes, my son; brother to your mamma and me, and uncle to the rest of
you."

"Meaning Neddie himself and Elsie, papa?" Grace said half
interrogatively and with an amused little laugh.

"Ah, yes! he is certainly too young to be, or wish to be, that to my
older daughters," returned her father with a look of amusement.

"No danger that he will want to claim that relationship, Gracie,"
laughed Lucilla. "Even Walter does not, though I know you are a
particular favourite with him; b