Lettice put up her mouth for a kiss, feeling a little more comforted. Surely her father loved her too well to let her be miserable all the days of her life. Perhaps, after years and years of waiting, when her lad should have become a rich man through some unexpected means, her father would consent; meantime she would try to be happy, and she could at least think of him, even if she didn’t see him. If there was happiness and peace at Sylvia’s Ramble, so there was a great joy in the home of the fair bride. Such a glad ending to a sad year. Her Joe’s wife! Faithful, loving Patsey had no other thought; and when, as the day drew to a close, and the guests from far and near came flocking in, each whispered to the other, “Did you ever see such a radiant face as the bride’s?” “And when is your wedding to be, Lettice?” asked Becky Lowe, important in her own prospective marriage. “Law, child, don’t ask me!” replied Lettice, lightly. “But pray don’t insist that I shall be your bridesmaid, Becky, if you would have me married, for this is my second service in that capacity; the first was at Brother William’s wedding, and you know the old saying, ‘three times a bridesmaid, never a bride.’” “Who told you I was to be married?” simpered Becky. “I didn’t have to be told,” Lettice replied teasingly; “it is a self-evident fact. Are we to have a dance? So we are. With pleasure, Tyler.” And leaving Becky, Lettice was led out upon the floor. She longed, yet hesitated, to ask her partner when he had heard from his cousin, and where was he? But all of a sudden her heart stood still, for there in close converse with her father stood her comrade in many a perilous hour. He looked grave and was talking earnestly. Lettice, so confused that she forgot her steps, turned the wrong person, to the amusement of her friends. “Who could ever suppose that Lettice Hopkins would forget a dance?” cried one. So she recovered herself and took better heed to the figures of the Cauliflower, and at the end of the dance was led back to her seat, her eager little heart beating fast. Why did he not come and speak to her? And O dear, why should her father detain him? Did he mean that when he was separated from her but by the distance of a few feet, he was still to keep his promise to avoid her? Common politeness would forbid that. Surely they were talking longer than was necessary, and accounts of battles and such things would keep till another time. Yet, perhaps it was she of whom they were talking, and the thought made her heart beat even faster. Presently her father looked over to where she sat and smiled at her; then he spoke a few words to his companion and both came toward her. “I have been thanking this young gentleman for his several services done my daughter,” said Mr. Hopkins. “I was fortunate in having the opportunity.” Lettice looked up with a lovely smile and murmured a few conventional words of greeting.