"Thank you! That was spoken like the noble, unaffected woman you are! Will you always be equally sincere with me--Sarah?" His accent trembled with excess of emotion in calling the name. Is it, then, an easy lot that you have chosen, Sarah Hunt? You, whose pride and glory it was to be truthful, who spurned whatever assimilated in the least degree to deception, what think you of a life where a lie meets you on the threshold and must be accepted and perpetuated if you would preserve your name and position in his eyes and those of the world. "It is the way two-thirds of the married people live!" you were saying to yourself, just now. It may be so; but it is none the less a career of duplicity, perjury--crime! "I will endeavor to please you!" she faltered, her face in a flame of shame and confusion. And this was the hue that met Lewis' eye, as her veil was blown aside, in her descent to the pavement, a blush he interpreted to suit his own wishes. Mr. Hunt appeared in the doorway as she alighted, and read in Hammond's smile and joyous salutation all that he most desired to learn. When the door was closed upon the departing suitor, the father drew his best-beloved child to him, and kissed her, without a word of uttered blessing. "It would break his heart were I to recede now!" thought Sarah, as she bore hers--heavy, hard--up to her room. That evening was the proudest era of Mrs. Hunt's existence. Two daughters well engaged--unexceptionably paired off! What mother more blest than she? Where could be found other children so dutiful? other sons-in-law so acceptable? By breakfast time, next day, she had arranged everything--Sarah's trousseau, her house, and the double wedding. Lucy expostulated here. "But, mother, this is the first of November." "I know that, my dear; but the ceremony will not come off until Christmas, and much can be done in six weeks for your sister--your work is so forward. Then, again, 'tisn't as if Sarah couldn't get everything she needs right here, if she shouldn't have enough. It will be tremendously expensive--awful, in fact; but we must make sacrifices. We can live economical after you're married and gone, and save enough to meet the bills." "If you please, madam, I prefer a plain outfit and no debts," said Sarah's most abrupt tones. "If you please, my dear, I understand my affairs, and mean to do as I think proper," retorted the no less strong-willed mother. Sarah was not cowed. "And as to the time you set, I cannot agree to it. I presume that in this matter I have some voice. I say six months instead of six weeks!"