"As you see, Cousin Fanny. Paul gave me the invitation, with my
little wife's love; and how could I decline?"

"I am sure it is very good of you to come and help entertain; but I
am afraid it will be a sad bore. Miss Minnie Wall, the oldest of the
young ladies, is but just fourteen; and Bessie Rider, the youngest,
is not yet six."

"But I came to visit my little wife," persisted Mr. Burroughs,
laughing gayly.

"Here she is, then, with all the rest behind her;" and, as the
little hostess caught sight of her new guest, she flew toward him,
crying,--

"Oh, my little wife has come!--my little, wife!"

Every one laughed, except the young man thus oddly addressed, who
gravely extended his hand, saying,--

"Miss 'Toinette, allow me to wish you many happy returns of this
fortunate day."

'Toinette looked at him a moment in surprise, then, glancing at the
other guests, said innocently,--

"I guess you talk that way because the girls are here; but I like
the way you are always, best."

This time Tom laughed as loud as the rest, and, catching the child