CHAPTER VI.


The weather the next morning proved all that could be desired, and the
shopping expedition a grand success--everybody being not only satisfied
but charmed with the results.

Mrs. Travilla and Rosie returned to Ion that evening, but scarcely a day
passed while the preparations for the wedding were going on, without
more or less interchange of visits among the young people of that place,
Woodburn, Fairview, and the Oaks and Pinegrove.

Naturally the deepest interest was felt and shown by the ladies and
young girls, but brothers and cousins were by no means indifferent.
Harold and Herbert, though well pleased with the idea of taking their
friend Croly into the family, were loath to part with Rosie, their
youngest and only single sister, the only one now left in the Ion
family. She had always been somewhat of a pet with them, and during
these last weeks of her life with them they treated her as one for whom
they could not do enough; while her manner toward them showed full
appreciation of their kindness and affection. Much of her time and
thoughts was necessarily taken up with the preparations for her
approaching marriage; but in leisure moments she had many sad thoughts
in regard to the coming separation from home and all there whom she so
loved; especially the tender mother who had been, until within a few
months, her dearest earthly friend.

"Mamma dear, dearest mamma, I can hardly endure the thought of leaving
you," she sighed one day with starting tears, as they sat together over