e somewhat trying to her feelings to see me wear
it; but she is not one to hesitate for that when she has an opportunity
to do a kindness. She is a good Christian if ever there was one."

"Indeed she is!" exclaimed Mrs. Dinsmore and Sydney in a breath.

Mr. Dinsmore had already left the room.

"But now, girls, we must bestir ourselves and make ready for the day,"
added Mrs. Dinsmore. "You know the morning is to be spent by the whole
connection at Pinegrove, and the afternoon at Roselands. It won't take
you long to get ready, will it?"

"No, only a few minutes," both answered, and she hurried away to
complete her own preparations.

"Oh, Maud, dear!" said Sydney, taking up the bridal veil and gazing
admiringly upon it, "I am so glad Cousin Elsie has lent you this bit of
loveliness, and that beautiful dress to be married in. You will look
just bewitching; and how proud Dick will be of his bride. I wish he was
here now to see these charming things. Do you mean to tell him about
them and show them to him beforehand?"

"I don't know; I really haven't thought about it yet," Maud answered.
"But we must make haste, now, and not keep Cousin Horace and Sue
waiting."

CHAPTER XVII.

At Woodburn Captain Raymond and his eldest daughter had had their usual
early ramble together about the grounds; then, coming in, had found a
large mail, containing a number of business letters for him, awaiting
them.

"I hope they are such as I can answer for you on the typewriter, papa,"
Lucilla said cheerfully.

"Yes," he replied; "if you have time and inclination to do so."

"Always time to work for my father," she said, giving him a bright,
sweet smile, as she seated herself before the machine.

"Then we will do it at once," he said, returning the smile as he
uncovered the machine and put the paper in place for her. "'Business
before pleasure' is a good rule, and my dear, helpful daughter makes it
an easier one for me to follow than it would be without her
assistance."

"I am so glad it does, papa; so glad I am of some use to you," she
returned, blushing with pleasure as she spoke.

"I know you are, daughter dear, else I should not call upon you for
these services," he said heartily; then, glancing over a letter he had
just opened, he began dictating.

He had not said anything to her about the talk he and Donald Keith had
had the night before, nor did he intend to. So sure of the result was he
that it did not seem at all