“But what do you call her?” asked Christine. “Let me take her, Alison.” “Oh, let me have her a little while,” returned Alison, sitting down with the child. “Well,” said Louisa, “I thought it over and I remember that Mis’ Brown was real good to me, though I don’t believe I appreciated it at the time, and I thought it would please her if I give her name to my baby. I always intended to give her yours, Miss Tina, so we’ve called her Miranda Christine, and Ira thinks it’s a fine name.” She spoke proudly and the girls could but agree that it was a fine name. “Give her straight to me,” said Christine. “She is my namesake.” And Alison reluctantly gave up her charge. “How is the new house getting on?” asked Louisa. “Ira says they had a big time at the raising.” “We did have a big time,” said Alison; “I never had more fun in my life. The house is as nice as can be. You must bring the baby and come over to spend the day as soon as you can. We have heaps to tell you. Doesn’t Steve look well? Would you ever believe he was the same man who came back looking so miserable?” “He does look well,” agreed Louisa. “When is the wedding to be? I have heard we may expect it soon.” “That’s just what we came over for to-day; to invite you and Ira.” “What’s that about a wedding?” said a voice at the door. “Why Hannah Maria, we didn’t know you were here,” said Alison. “I come over this mornin’,” Hannah Maria told her. “Bud said he’d drap in about supper-time, and I’ve been seein’ to things a little for Lou. I was that sot upon holdin’ the young un to-day I couldn’t res’ till I got over. I think they’ve picked up a real purty name for her. Now, do tell me what about that thar weddin’. Ain’t it goin’ to be a double?” she asked eagerly. “I always did want to see a double, and I’ve been hopin’ you-alls would have one.” “Well, you are to have your wish,” Christine told her. “Then I suppose it will be at the Van Dorns’.” “Yes, it seemed better that way, as we have no parents and Mrs. Van Dorn is so anxious to fill a mother’s place to us. Then, too, it saves us a great deal of trouble and we can have our own house all in order for Laura.” “An’ Steve’s is all done?” “Yes, or will be in a few days.” “And which is goin’ to choose Allie, you or John?” asked Hannah Maria, taking out her snuff stick. “They won’t either one have her very long,” spoke up Neal, “if I have anything to say. There’ll be another house going up before many days.” “Did you ever?” exclaimed Hannah Maria, dropping her snuff stick. “Ain’t that interestin’? I declar you-alls fa’r makes my head swim with so much marryin’ an’ givin’ in marriage. Whar you goin’ to build, Neal?”