this, we must hold 'em at a distance; we must send expresses out to
stop 'em short upon the road, and bring 'em on a mile or two a day,
until we're properly prepared to meet 'em. Kiss me, Puss.
Forgive! Why, what a silly child you are! If you had vexed and
crossed me fifty times a day, instead of not at all, I'd forgive
you everything, but such a supplication. Kiss me again, Puss.
There! Prospective and retrospective - a clear score between us.
Pile up the fire here! Would you freeze the people on this bleak
December night! Let us be light, and warm, and merry, or I'll not
forgive some of you!'

So gaily the old Doctor carried it! And the fire was piled up, and
the lights were bright, and company arrived, and a murmuring of
lively tongues began, and already there was a pleasant air of
cheerful excitement stirring through all the house.

More and more company came flocking in. Bright eyes sparkled upon
Marion; smiling lips gave her joy of his return; sage mothers
fanned themselves, and hoped she mightn't be too youthful and
inconstant for the quiet round of home; impetuous fathers fell into
disgrace for too much exaltation of her beauty; daughters envied
her; sons envied him; innumerable pairs of lovers profited by the
occasion; all were interested, animated, and expectant.

Mr. and Mrs. Craggs came arm in arm, but Mrs. Snitchey came alone.
'Why, what's become of HIM?' inquired the Doctor.

The feather of a Bird of Paradise in Mrs. Snitchey's turban,
trembled as if the Bird of Paradise were alive again, when she said
that doubtless Mr. Craggs knew. SHE was never told.