character to Madeline that there was a certain amusing fitness in the
latter's habit of calling her "My baby."

"You have a very pleasant day for your picnic, Mr. Burr," said she.

"Yes, we are very lucky," replied Henry, his eyes following Madeline's
movements as she stood before the glass, putting on her hat, which had a
red feather in it.

To have her thus add the last touches to her toilet in his presence was a
suggestion of familiarity, of domesticity, that was very intoxicating to
his imagination.

"Is your father well?" inquired Mrs. Brand, affably.

"Very well, thank you, very well indeed," he replied

"There; now I'm ready," said Madeline. "Here's the basket, Henry.
Good-bye, mother."

They were a well-matched pair, the stalwart young man and the tall,
graceful girl, and it is no wonder the girl's mother stood in the door
looking after them with a thoughtful smile.

Hemlock Hollow was a glen between wooded bluffs, about a mile up the
beautiful river on which Newville was situated, and boats had been
collected at the rendezvous on the river-bank to convey the picnickers
thither. On arriving, Madeline and Henry found all the party assembled
and in capital spirits; There was still just enough shadow on their
merriment to leave the disposition to laugh slightly in excess of its