different. The silly Rose you were engaged to long ago has disappeared
somewhere; I hope you won't be able to find her under the new leaves."

"She was all I wanted," said Stephen.

"You thought she was," the girl answered, "because you did n't see the
prickles, but you'd have felt them some time. The old Rose was a selfish
thing, not good enough for you; the new Rose is going to be your wife, and
Rufus's sister, and your mother's daughter, all in one."

Then such a breakfast was spread as Stephen, in his sorry years of bachelor
existence, had forgotten could exist; but before he broke his fast he ran out
to the wagon and served the astonished Alcestis with his wedding refreshments
then and there, bidding him drive back to the River Farm and bring him a
package that lay in the drawer of his shaving-stand,--a package placed there
when hot youth and love and longing had inspired him to hurry on the marriage
day.

"There's an envelope, Alcestis," he cried, "a long envelope, way, way back in
the corner, and a small box on top of it. Bring them both and my wallet too,
and if you find them all and get them to me safely you shall be bridesmaid and
groomsman and best man and usher and maid of honor at a wedding, in less than
an hour! Off with you! Drive straight and use the whip on Dolly!"

When he re-entered the kitchen, flushed with joy and excitement, Rose put the
various good things on the table and he almost tremblingly took his seat,
fearing that contact with the solid wood might wake him from this entrancing
vision.

"I'd like to put you in your chair like a queen and wait on you," he said with