proposed by Will?"

"June of this year."

"June seems a very suitable month, but if you were my daughter I should
say not June of this year--since you are both young enough to wait for
that of next or the year after."

"Ah, sir! that was not the way you talked when you wanted to rob mamma
of one of her daughters."

"No; but I was some years older than Mr. Croly is now, and your sister
Violet very womanly in her ways."

"And I am not? Ah, well! perhaps it is fortunate for me that the
decision rest with mamma and grandpa."

"So you, too, are in haste?" queried the captain, regarding her with a
look of amusement.

"Not at all," she returned, drawing herself up with an air of pretended
indignation. "Who would be in haste to leave such a home and mother as
mine? If I consulted only my own feelings I should be more than willing
to wait another year."

"Then why not decide to do so?" he asked with a quizzical look.

"Because I really have some regard for the wishes of my betrothed."

"And it makes it hard for you that the different ones you love cannot
agree so that you might please them all," remarked Grace, then
exclaimed, "Ah, here comes grandpa!" as at that moment the Ion carriage
turned in at the great gates.

Mr. Dinsmore seldom let a day pass without a more or less extended
interview with his eldest daughter, and had now come for a call at
Woodburn, bringing his wife with him.

When the usual greetings had been exchanged the subject of Rosie's
approaching marriage and the letter from Mr. Croly, urging that it take
place speedily, were introduced, and after some discussion it was
decided to let him have his own way. The day was not fixed upon any
farther than that it should be near the end of the month of June, and
with that Rosie seemed satisfied.

"Now, mamma," she said, "I think we may go on and discuss minor details,
such as dresses and ornaments for bride and attendants."

"Very well, daughter; you may give us your views on the subject. You
will want your own dress of some rich white material, I suppose?"

"Yes, mamma; of Bengaline silk, richly trimmed with lace; and I must
have a veil and orange blossoms; also a bouquet of bride roses and
smilax. Lu and Grace, you will want white silk dresses, won't you?"

"Yes," they replied. "And bouquets of white flowers," added Lucilla.

"Oh, papa, you will let me act as one of the bridesmaids, will you not?"
asked Grace, turning to him.

"I have no obje