“I ain't broke to this kind o' thing,” he said, “an' I'm scairt clear through. Maybe it could be put off until I'm nerved up a little.” “No, indeed,” said Jo, as she locked the door and faced about with a saucy look in her eyes. “You've simply got to be married at ten o'clock. You might as well make up your mind to it first as last. You've kept Fannie waiting for three years, and now you're going to be married.” Poor Sam shook his head and smiled, and looked rather foolish and unhappy. “You needn't be afraid,” Jo went on. “We're not going to hurt you. We're just going to marry you, and I should think you'd be very happy. Fannie is a good girl, and a sweet-look-, ing girl, too, and she'll be a help to you.” It was as good as a play to hear her talk to him. Sam had an anxious look, and was, in a way, like one condemned. “I'd like,” said he, with just a little emphasis on the like--“I'd like to go over to the village a minute.” “I'm sorry, but there isn't time,” Jo answered. She was gentle but firm. “I'm no coward,” he said, in a voice that trembled a little, “but--I ain't used to women.” “Poor thing!” said Jo, with just a touch of contempt for him. “You've got to get used to them, and I'll give you the first lesson. Stand where you are.” Fannie, a comely, red-cheeked girl of about his age, had entered the room. Jo took her arm and led her up to Sam. “Now give him a good kiss,” the little wretch commanded. Fannie gave him a kiss, but he stood unmoved save that his face grew redder. “Oh, it's not fair to take a kiss without returning it. That's cheating,” Jo protested. He kissed her, but with such a sober countenance! It suggested retaliation. “Brave Sam!--you're learning,” Jo said to him. She put her pretty hand in his, and added, soothingly: “Be brave, Sam; be brave and cheer up; nobody will hurt you. When the minister comes you will stand here, and Fannie will stand beside you--like that. Please keep your hands down at your side--so--and remember you must pay attention to the minister.” Poor, old, good-hearted Sam! It was like bitting a horse, and he needed it. Well, he played his part rather poorly, but the wedding was successful in its main purpose, and Sam hurried away to bring his horse and buggy. He ran as he left the door-yard, like one escaping. Jo beckoned to me, and I went with her into the sitting-room, where for a moment we stood alone. How short it was, and yet how long it has been--that little moment! “May I kiss you once?” I asked, timidly. She made no reply, but she let me kiss her. Dear girl! We were so young and innocent, and all these years were ahead of us, and--excuse me--I must change the subject.