Dick arrived at about the expected time and was joyfully welcomed. His surprise and delight in view of Molly's prospects were quite sufficient to satisfy her, and so greatly was he pleased with the country that in a few days he announced his purpose to remain. Cyril had received a unanimous call from the two churches, and after mature deliberation accepted it, upon which Elsie doubled the salary she had formerly paid, and told him playfully and in private that if he would get a wife whom she could approve she would repair, enlarge, and refurnish the cottage. "You are extremely kind and generous cousin," he stammered, coloring deeply, "and I--I would be only too glad to follow out your suggestion." "Well," she returned in the same playful tone, "what is there to hinder?" "The only woman I could fancy, could love, is so beautiful, fascinating, accomplished, so altogether attractive in every way, that--I fear she could hardly be expected to content herself with a poor minister." "I cannot say how that is," Elsie answered with a smile, "but judging by myself I should think she would give her hand wherever her heart has gone; and if I were a man I should not despair until I had asked and been refused. And, Cyril, though not rich in this world's goods, I consider you a fit match for the highest--you who are a son of the King." "That sonship is more to me than all the world has to give," he said, looking at her with glistening eyes, "but to others it may seem of little worth." "Not to any one who is of the right spirit to be truly an helpmeet to you. I think I know where your affections are set, my dear cousin, and that by her the true riches are esteemed as by you and me." He thanked her warmly by word and look for her kind sympathy and encouragement, and there the interview ended. But that night, when Elsie was about retiring, Isa came to her, all smiles, tears and blushes, to tell the story of love given and returned. She and Cyril had spent the evening wandering about the grounds alone together in the moonlight, and he had wooed and won his heart's choice. "Dear Isa, I am very, very glad for you and for Cyril," Elsie whispered, clasping her cousin close, and kissing again and again the blushing cheek. "I cannot wish anything better for you than that you may be as happy in your wedded life as my dear husband and I were." "Nor could I ask a better wish," Isa returned with emotion; "but ah! I fear I can never be the perfect wife you were! And, cousin, I can hardly hope for mamma's approval of my choice." "Do not trouble about that now; I think we shall find means to win her consent." "I think grandpa and uncle are sure to approve." "Yes; and they will be powerful advocates with Aunt Louise; so I think you need not hesitate to be as happy as you can," Elsie answered with a smile. "Do you wish the matter kept secret?"