"The world needs to be lifted to a higher standard on these matters. The subject of marriage is too sacred to jest about, and people in general think it no harm to toy with the word and all that pertains to it with the utmost carelessness." Grace was more like herself now. She was very happy in the thought that Mr. Carrington understood this as she did, but she was not a little surprised to find herself giving such free expression to her opinions. "Indifference and laxity is the result of the trifling. My theory is that these things should be sacredly spoken of in the family, when boys and girls are growing up. That is the way my mother did," said Mr. Carrington reverently. "Yes, the family is more responsible than society, for it makes society," she replied, secretly touched by the allusion to his mother. She felt more and more confidence in Mr. Carrington. It seemed surprising to find how rapidly her love for him had increased since she gave it permission to grow. She did not realize that it had been a smothered plant before, trying to live without sunshine. Now it could grow in the warmth and brightness of beautiful day. It was early twilight when they returned. Kate was waiting for her. The joyous light in Grace's eyes, though she tried to veil it, told the story. Kate put her arms about her, saying, as she caressed the rosy cheek: "Lilybell is bloomed at last." CHAPTER XXXIV. "Be cheerful: wipe thine eyes: Some falls are means the happier to arise. * * * * * Before the curing of a strong disease, Even in the instant of repair and health The fit is strongest; evils that take leave, On their departure most of all show evil." --_Shakespeare._ For two days no letter came, and then Mr. Hayden received two, which he handed to the girls as he met them on the street the same evening. "Can you spare them both?" said Kate, holding out her hand eagerly. "Oh, yes; I am especially engaged to-night, and besides they are better together. I am rather glad for the delay. I was afraid the first one had miscarried," he replied. The waiting had only increased their interest, and on reaching home they at once sat down to read the the two letters handed them by Mr. Hayden. "MARLOW, October ----. "Dear John: I suppose you, like the rest of us, are anxious to know how the patient feels after such a vigorous denial of the seven evils. It is quite necessary to know what to do at this stage. "After the treatment for special sins, James Martin comes with bitter complaints that he is worse instead of better. He tells a doleful story of how he suffered all night; had chills and fever exactly as when he had the ague long ago; how he coughed and choked and broke out with something like measles, and was all the while so vilely sick it seemed as though he was about to die.