"Then we must agree to decline. I am sure she is a sweet girl, and if there was anything I could do for her I would do it, and you, too, Eliza, but we must consider--others." "Yes, dear," and after this the sisters kissed each other, and then went together nervously toward the drawing-room. But when they entered the room nothing was said of their consultation. John Temple was sitting by May on a couch, looking perfectly content, and May was smiling and looking perfectly happy. John rose with a pleasant smile as the two trembling old ladies appeared. "Ah, Miss Webster, and Miss Eliza," he said, "come and help May here to decide a most knotty question. Where will you sit? Now, Miss Webster, let us have your opinion first. What should May wear to be married in?" "White, I should think," answered Miss Webster, somewhat feebly. "There, John, I told you so!" cried May, triumphantly. John made an awry face. "You see, Miss Webster, to what I have to get accustomed," he said. "But John, you know you like me in white best," continued May; "at least you always said so." "So I do, but as we are going on our travels straight from the church, I thought something dark would be more useful. However, of course, have your own way, and to-morrow these ladies perhaps will go out and help us to buy a very smart traveling cloak and whatever else you require. We are going direct to Paris, Miss Webster, as this young lady has never seen that lively city." John talked on thus until he rose to take his leave for the night, but even then he said nothing of his proposition to Miss Webster. But the next morning he did. "Have you thought over what I said last night, Miss Webster?" he asked. "Yes, Mr. Temple," answered Miss Webster, falteringly, "and we think--sister Eliza and I think--that it would be better if--the future Mrs. John Temple did not live in this house--" "That is settled then," said John Temple, calmly; "but perhaps you will kindly help May to find a suitable house?" "Only too delighted to do anything for such a sweet young creature," replied kind Miss Webster; "I assure you, Mr. Temple; both sister Eliza and myself have the greatest regard for her." "Thanks, very much, and now we must see about the preparations for the marriage at once. She must be married in this parish, of course; so will you kindly tell me who your parson is, and give me an introduction to him?" After this the preparations for the marriage went on as quickly as possible, both Miss Webster and Miss Eliza assisting in every way that they could. But we will let Miss Webster describe that event in a letter which she addressed to her nephew, Ralph Webster, a few hours after it was over. She wrote this letter with a sad heart somehow, but she little guessed of the bitter and intense pain with which it was received.