"Suppose you come and take a look at them, Zoe," proposed Rosie, as they left the table, and Zoe promptly accepted the invitation, Betty, Elsie Leland, Ella, and Virginia, and the Dinsmore cousins going along. "Oh, they are lovely!" was the united exclamation at sight of the dresses, Zoe adding, "I can't say which is handsomest." "That's just how it is with me," laughed Betty; "but I own to thinking the bride's dress a trifle handsomer than any of these." "Ah, yes; but just think how we may outshine you when our turns come to wear a wedding dress," said Rosie. "I mean to have one that shall be a marvel of beauty and taste. Don't you, Eva and Lu?" "I very much doubt whether I shall ever have any," replied Evelyn, with her grave, sweet smile. "If you don't it will be your own fault, I am sure," said Rosie. "And it will be just the same with Lu." "I'm not going to get married ever!" cried Lulu emphatically. "I wouldn't leave my father for all the rest of the men in all the world." "Ah, your father is glad to hear it," said a voice close at her side, while a hand was laid affectionately on her shoulder. "But my dear eldest daughter is still quite too young to be even thinking of such things." "Then I won't think of them if I can help it, papa dear," she said, lifting loving, smiling eyes to his face, "for indeed I do want to obey even your slightest wish." "I don't doubt it, daughter," he returned, pressing affectionately the hand she had slipped into his. "Now, Elsie," said Zoe, addressing Mrs. Leland, "let us show our wedding finery. You, Ella Conley, I suppose won't care to open your trunks, as they are to be carried over to the Parsonage." "They have already gone," said Isadore, she also having joined the party of inspection, "but the finery can be shown there just as well." "Yes, it can wait," returned Ella, "and will perhaps be all the more appreciated for not being seen along with so many other beauties." "I am the only one who has no finery to exhibit," remarked Virginia in an ill used tone. But they were already on the way to Mrs. Leland's room and no one seemed to hear or heed the complaint, everybody being too much engrossed with the business in hand to take notice of her ill-humor. But it was Saturday evening and the Parsonage and Magnolia Hall people returned to their homes at an early hour, taking their guests with them. "Now, daughter," Captain Raymond said, turning to Lulu as the last carriage disappeared from sight, "go at once to your own room and prepare for bed." "Yes, sir; and must I say good-night now to you?" she asked in a low tone, close at his ear. "No," he returned, with a smile, "I will be with you presently for a few minutes." She looked her thanks, and hastened to obey. "I am quite ready for bed, papa," she said when he came into her room. "Please mayn't I sit on your knee for five or ten minutes?"