"Commonly, I believe I am, but not in these wedding times. It's quite
too bad of your father, Elsie, to be carrying off Rose, when he won't
let us have you. But never mind, I'll be even with him some of these
days;" and he gave her a meaning look.

"Come in Harold, and put your books down," said Sophy; "you can afford
to spend a few minutes talking to Elsie, can't you?"

"I think I will!" he replied, accepting her invitation.

They chatted for some time, and then Adelaide came in. Elsie had heard
that she was coming on to be first bridesmaid. "Elsie, dear, how
glad I am to see you! and how well and happy you are looking!" she
exclaimed, folding her little niece in her arms, and kissing her
fondly. "But come," she added, taking her by the hand and leading her
into the next room, "Miss Rose came in from her shopping only a few
minutes ago, and she wants to see you."

Rose was standing by the toilet-table, gazing intently, with a blush
and a smile, at something she held in her hand. She laid it down as
they came in, and embracing the little girl affectionately, said how
very glad she was to see her.

Then, turning to the table again, she took up what she had been
looking at--which proved to be a miniature of Mr. Dinsmore--and
handed it to Adelaide, saying, "Is it not excellent? and so kind and
thoughtful of him to give it to me."

"It is indeed a most perfect likeness," Adelaide replied. "Horace is