“Never, Gusty. He remained at college until he took his degree, and then passed immediately into his present business.” “He was a great friend of Hagar’s the little time he remained with you?” “Yes,” said Hagar, “_he_ loved me, _he_ never forgot or neglected me; even after he went away, in his letters to my aunt he always sent me a message until _I_ learned to write, and we have corresponded ever since.” “And Rosalia has never seen him?” “No,” said Hagar. “Rose did not arrive until after he had left us, and, as we have just told you, he has never been here since.” “And Rose will not see him now,” said Sophie, “for she leaves in one week for Boston for Mrs. Tresham’s school.” “And when,” inquired Gusty, “will Raymond be here?” “Not sooner than two or three weeks.” “Then Rose will _not_ see him?” “No, and I shall be so sorry,” said Rose. After further desultory conversation, they finished tea and arose from the table. Rosalia and Augustus remained all night, and early the next morning departed for the Grove Cottage. All the next week was occupied by Emily May in preparations for Rosalia’s departure, and, if it must out, in preparations for her own marriage with the Rev. Mr. Buncombe, the curate of the parish, the tutor of Hagar, Rosalia, and Gusty, and the boarder and suitor for many years of Emily May. It was for the purpose of getting her dear son’s consent and presence that she had waited these last three years, and it was for the sake of gratifying her pet child, Rosalia, that she now determined that the marriage should take place before her departure to the North. Captain Wilde, whose ship now lay at Norfolk, had also been summoned to attend the wedding, and arrived in due season. Of course Mr. Withers and Sophie had been solicited, and were expected to attend. Upon the evening of the marriage day, however, as Rosalia was performing for Emily the affectionate service of dressing her for the ceremony, a note was handed the latter, which on being opened and read was found to be an apology from Sophie for nonattendance. “Mr. Withers,” she said, “was very much worse, and required her constant care.” If there was another motive for her absence it was not acknowledged to her own mind, scarcely recognised by her own heart. * * * * *