from the face of one hearty country woman to another with a wealth
of affection for each and every one, "let's don't none of us forget
to take the child up to the throne with us each night in the arms of
prayer, as one of His ministers!--Well it's time for us to walk out
to the dining-room and see what kind of a set-out Cindy and Elinory
have got for us. Yes, Mis' Nath, did you ever see such a show of
decorations? She must a-kinder sensed the wedding in the air in
compliment to you, Bettie. Come in, one and all!"

And the cheerful company assembled around the hospitable Mayberry
board put into practice the knife and fork by-law of the Circle with
hearty good will. Cindy's austerity relaxed noticeably at the
compliments handed her in return for her offer of the various viands
she had prepared for their delectation, and Miss Wingate blushed and
beamed upon them all with the most rapturous delight when her
efforts met with like commendation. She had insisted on helping
Cindy wait on them and was such a very lovely young Hebe that they
could scarcely eat for looking at her.

"Sakes, Mis' Mayberry," said Mrs. Pike, who had unbent from her
reserve over her second cup of tea to a most remarkable degree, "it
were hard enough to ask Doctor Tom in to pot-luck with my chicken
dumplins, that he carries on over, a-knowing about what you and
Cindy could shake up in the kitchen, but with Miss Elinory's cooking
added I'm a-going to turn him away hungry next time."

"Oh, please don't!" exclaimed Miss Wingate. "Yours is the next place
he has promised to take me to supper. And Bud and Eliza have both
invited me."