"No, indeed! what made you ask?"

"Miss Stevens said so," replied Annie, laughing and running away. And
just then Elsie's papa called her, and bade her go upstairs and have
her hat put on, as they were going out to walk.

Edward Allison had been talking with his sister in her room, and they
came down together to the veranda, where Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were
waiting for them. Edward was looking very proud and happy, but Rose's
face was half hidden by her veil. She took Mr. Dinsmore's offered arm
and Elsie asked, "Aren't you going with us, Mr. Edward?"

"Not this time," he answered, smiling. "I have an engagement to play a
game of chess with one of the ladies in the parlor yonder."

"Then I shall have papa's other hand," she said, taking possession of
it.

She was very merry and talkative, but neither of her companions seemed
much disposed to answer her remarks. They were following the same path
they had taken the night before, and the thoughts of both were very
busy with the past and the future.

At length they reached the rustic seat where they had sat while Mr.
Dinsmore told his story, and he inquired of Rose if she would like to
stop and rest.

She assented, recognizing the place with a smile and a blush, and they
sat down.