"Only that I wish to set out on my homeward way to-night, with Edward.
I think it would be best, more especially as mamma has written
complaining of our long absence, and urging a speedy return."

"Of course your mother's wishes are the first to be consulted, until
you have given me a prior right," he said, in a playful tone; "and
so I suppose Elsie and I will be obliged to continue our journey by
ourselves. But when may I claim you for my own indeed? Let it be as
soon as possible, dearest, for I feel that I ought to return to my
home ere long, and I am not willing to do so without my wife."

"I must have a few weeks to prepare; you know a lady's wardrobe cannot
be got ready in a day. What would you say to six weeks? I am afraid
mamma would think it entirely too short."

"Six weeks, dear Rose? why that would bring us to the middle of
November. Surely a month will be long enough to keep me waiting for my
happiness, and give the dressmakers sufficient time for their work.
Let us say one month from to-day."

Rose raised one objection after another, but he overruled them all and
pleaded his cause so earnestly that he gained his point at last, and
the wedding was fixed for that day month, provided the consent of
her parents, to so sudden a parting with their daughter, could be
obtained.

While Rose was at home making her preparations, Mr. Dinsmore and his
daughter were visiting the great lakes, and travelling through Canada.
He heard frequently from her, and there were always a few lines