Then she remembered that Marion was going to a dinner and dance at Deacon Lockerby's, and she hastened to her room to see if she was preparing for the event. She found Marion fully dressed, and the girl rose, smiling, shook out her pink tarlatan gown, and asked, "Am I pretty enough to-night, Aunt?" "Quite," was the answer. "I wish Richard could see you. Where did you get that exquisite lace bertha?" "Father went to Campbell's and bought it for me this morning. I told him last night that I wanted a bertha, but disliked to go out in the fog to buy one, and Father said, 'I will go for you,' and I was so astonished and pleased I let him do it." "You did right, but you know it is just like a man's purchase. I can see your father walk up to a clerk and say, 'I want a bertha, so many inches, good and pretty as you have'--no mention of its price." "It is very pretty." "Yes, and no doubt it cost ten times as much as a girl's bertha should cost--but it was a good spending, and I dare say he had a lighter heart as well as a lighter purse after it." "I know I was charmed by his goodness, and I told him so in half a dozen ways, and, Aunt, at last--I kissed him. Yes, I really did. And Father looked at me with tears in his eyes, and at that moment I could have done anything he asked me to do." "I'll warrant you. Your father ought then to have----" "Please, Aunt, do not say the words on your lips. Nothing in life could separate me from Richard, and you know it." "Well, well. Go and show yourself to your father, and be in a hurry. I hear a carriage at the door. Will you have a cup of tea before you go?" "Aileen brought me one here. I want no more." They went to the door together, and as the vehicle drove away a youth stepped through the fog, whistling merrily, "There's a good time coming, boys, Wait a little longer." He made Mrs. Caird think of Donald, and she blessed him as he passed. "I am not superstitious," she whispered, "not at all, but when a good word comes to me I am going to take it and be glad of its message." "A good time coming"--to these words singing in her heart she went into the parlor and tinkled the little silver bell, which was answered by Kitty bringing in the teapot under its satin cozy. A few minutes afterward the Minister entered. The table had been set for him and Mrs. Caird by the parlor hearth, and he took his chair silently. Then they were alone, and, as he lifted his cup, he casually lifted his eyes and met the love and sorrow in Mrs. Caird's eyes, and there was a moment's swift understanding between them. Dr. Macrae stretched out his long, lean hand, and she clasped it and said, "Cheer up, Ian; things are never as bad as you think they are." He smiled faintly and asked, "Where is Marion going?" "I thought she told you." "She did. I had forgotten. To James Lockerby's, I think she said." "Yes, his daughter is engaged to David Grant. It is her betrothal party."