tenderly."

"Miss Elsie, I jes b'lieves he's a lookin' at you now dis bressed minute,
and ef de res' of dose dat lubs you is far away he'll be sho to stan'
close side o' you when de ministah's a saying de words dat'll make you
Massa Leland's wife."

"Ah, Dinah, what a sweet thought! and who shall say it may not be so!"

"Dar's Massa Edward!" exclaimed Dinah, as a quick, manly step was heard,
followed by a light rap upon the door.

She hastened to open it "We's ready, Marse Ed'ard."

He did not seem to hear or heed her; his eyes were fastened upon his
beautiful sister, more beautiful at this moment, he thought, than ever
before.

"Elsie!" he cried. "Oh that mamma could see you! she herself could hardly
have been a lovelier bride! yet these are wanted to complete your attire,"
opening a box he had brought, and taking therefrom a veil of exquisite
texture and design and a wreath of orange blossoms.

"How kind and thoughtful, Edward!" she said, thanking him with a sweet
though tearful smile; "but are they suitable for such a bridal as this?"

"Surely," he said. "Come, Dinah, and help me to arrange them."

Their labors finished, he stepped back a little to note the effect.