“I can make no marriage present, Little can I give my wife: Love will make our cottage pleasant, And I love you more than life.” Violet’s eyes were shining through a mist of tender tears, her cheeks flushed rosily, and she returned the tender pressure of her lover’s hand. “Cecil, I am not afraid of poverty with you,” she cried, bravely. “I only dreaded the world’s reproach. But why should I care for that, since we shall be all the world to each other? I am afraid of grandpapa, I love you, and I should be charmed to live at picturesque Bonnycastle, with that sweet lady, your beautiful mother. So I will run away with you at any time you say so. And Amber, you must be the bridesmaid, dear.” “I will,” was the gay reply, and Amber said to herself that she would not miss being the bridesmaid for anything, but her smile just then was not good to see. “Now that we have decided on the elopement, I had better take Violet home, for if we stay too long, Judge Camden may come out to look for us,” she added. “Will you bring Violet out again to-morrow?” Cecil asked, anxiously. “I will try, and, unless grandpapa is in a bad humor, I may succeed. But, at any rate, I will be here, and will decide on our plans for the elopement,” declared Amber. He kissed Violet’s little hand with tender passion, then they drove away, leaving him alone in the quiet road, watching them and praying and hoping that Violet would come again, to-morrow. An impulse came over him to go and tell his mother that he would soon bring bonny Violet home to her for a daughter, to live in the old ruin of a place, and shed brightness over it, after the manner of all young, joyous things. But half-way home he changed his mind. “It is better she should not know. Then no one can say that she aided and abetted me in eloping with the granddaughter of the rich Judge Camden.” He knew that Violet would be sure of a welcome from his stately mother, and he decided not to tell her anything, but to take her by surprise with his bonny bride. He turned back toward his office, dizzy with joy, and revolving plans for fitting up the prettiest rooms at Bonnycastle for his darling’s use. He was sure that he could afford some pretty, simple, new furniture, and the blue and white hangings to brighten up the place. And, as for flowers, there were loads of them at home, and Violet delighted in them. Besides, he would love her so dearly, he would pet her so much that she should be too happy to miss the splendors she had enjoyed at Golden Willows. CHAPTER XVII. PLANNING THE ELOPEMENT. Only an adoring lover can realize how Cecil waited for Amber the next afternoon, hoping and praying that Violet would be her companion. But he was doomed to disappointment. When the pretty little phaeton came in sight, Amber was sitting in it all alone, with a grave and thoughtful expression on her brilliant face.