unhurried air pervaded the house.

There had been a little discussion the night before as to just how the
bride should make her appearance at the decisive moment; but Katy had
settled it by saying simply that she should come downstairs, and Ned could
meet her at the foot of the staircase.

"It is the simplest way," she said; "and you know I don't want any fuss. I
will just come down."

"I dare say she's right," remarked Rose; "but it seems to me to require a
great deal of courage."

And after all, it didn't. The simple and natural way of doing a thing
generally turns out the easiest. Clover helped Katy to put on the
wedding-gown of soft crape and creamy white silk. It was trimmed with old
lace and knots of ribbon, and Katy wore with it two or three white roses
which Ned had brought her, and a pearl pendant which was his gift. Then
Clover had to go downstairs to receive the guests, and see that Cousin
Helen's sofa was put in the right place; and Rose, who remained behind,
had the pleasure of arranging Katy's veil. The yellow-white of the old
blonde was very becoming, and altogether, the effect, though not
"stylish," was very sweet. Katy was a little pale, but otherwise exactly
like her usual self, with no tremors or self-consciousness.

Presently little Rose came up with a message.

"Aunty Tover says dat Dr. Tone has tum, and everything is weddy, and you'd
better tum down," she announced.