It was now the last of August. The wedding was to take place about the middle of October, and as the intervening six weeks would barely afford time for the preparation of the trousseau, the ladies hurried home to New York. Then Kate came down to spend a week with the Travillas. She looked fagged and worn, complained of ennui, was already wearied of the life she had been leading, and had lost all taste for simple pleasures. Her faded cheek and languid air, presented a strange contrast to the fresh, bright beauty and animation of Elsie and Violet, a contrast that pained the kind, motherly heart of Mrs. Travilla, who would have been glad to make all the world as happy as she and her children were. Elsie and Vi felt a lively interest in Gertrude's prospects, and had many questions to ask about her betrothed;--"Was he young? was he handsome? was he a good man? But, oh _that_ was of course." "No, not of course at all," Kate answered, almost with impatience. "She supposed he was not a bad man; but he wasn't good in their sense of the word--not in the least religious--and he was neither young nor handsome." A moment of disappointed silence followed this communication, then Elsie said, a little doubtfully, "Well, I suppose Gerty loves him, and is happy in the prospect of becoming his wife?" "Happy?" returned Kate, with a contemptuous sniff. "Well, I suppose she ought to be; she is getting what she wanted--plenty of money and a splendid establishment; but as to loving Mr. Victor Larrabee--I could about as soon love a--snake; and so could she. He always makes me think of one." "Oh, Kate! and will she marry him?" both exclaimed in horror. "She's promised to and doesn't seem inclined to draw back," replied Kate with indifference. Then bursting into a laugh, "Girls," she said, "I've had an offer too, and mamma would have had me accept it, but it didn't suit my ideas. The man himself is well enough, I don't really dislike him; but such a name! Hogg! only think of it! I told mamma that I didn't want to live in a sty, if it was lined with gold." "No, I don't believe I could feel willing to wear that name," said Violet laughing. "But if his name suited, would you marry him without loving him?" "I suppose so; I like riches, and mamma says such wealthy men as Mr. Hogg and Mr. Larrabee are not to be picked up every day." "But, oh, it wouldn't be right, Kate! because you have to promise to love." "Oh, that's a mere form!" returned Kate with a yawn. "Gerty says she's marrying for love--not of the man but his money," and Kate laughed as if it was an excellent joke. The other two looked grave and distressed, their mother had taught them that to give the hand without the heart was folly and sin. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH. "There's many a slip Twixt the cup and the lip." The Travillas were all invited to Gertrude's wedding; but as it was to be a very grand affair, the invitation was declined because of their recent bereavement.