wavering, and she realizes so perfectly that life in this
world is short and fleeting, that which follows unending and full of
bliss to all who believe in the Lord Jesus, that she is ever content
with whatever Providence sends her. I never knew a happier Christian."

"Nor I," said Mary. "I only wish we were all more like her in that
respect."

"Yes," said Calhoun, "and I believe we are every one of us the happier
and better for knowing her. I have been thinking that it will be hard
for Rosie to leave such a mother."

"That it will," sighed Harold; "and hard for mother, and all of us
indeed, to part with Rosie. But of course the members of so large a
family as ours cannot expect to remain together all through life."

"Yes; weddings are apt to bring both joy and sorrow," remarked Mrs.
Conly reflectively; "the forming of new ties and the breaking of old
ones. One cannot altogether forget the old loves, however sweet the new
may be; but when we get to the better land we may hope to have them
all," she added with an appreciative glance at her husband. "Ah, how
delightful that will be!"

There was a moment's silence; then Harold said, "The wedding day having
not been fixed yet the invitations have not been sent out, but I know
mother is hoping to see your parents here at that time, Cousin Mary."

"That is kind," she returned with a pleased smile; "I supposed they
would be invited, and that so I should have the better prospect of
getting a long promised visit from them myself. But if you invite all
the relatives you will have a great many guests to entertain--that is
should all, or nearly all, accept. However, it is more than likely that
by far the larger number will feel constrained to content themselves
with sending regrets, congratulations, and gifts."

"I hope," said Harold quickly and earnestly, "I am sure we all do--that
no one will feel called upon for that last. I trust that will be fully
understood. The parents of both bride and groom being abundantly able to
provide everything necessary or desirable, why should distant relatives
and friends assist in it, perhaps at the cost of embarrassment or
self-denial?"

"But you should not deny the privilege to those who are abundantly able
and would feel it a pleasure," returned Mary with playful look and tone;
"which I am sure is the case with some of the relatives," she added.

"No," said Harold, "I should not deny it, but would have a distinct
understanding that it