a consultation about her remaining there, Rosalind, as usual, decided the question.
"Oh yes, let her stay here and I will help her get ready; and let them be married here, and Walter and I will stand up with them."
"Perhaps Mary will prefer to choose her own bridesmaid," said Walter, laughing.
James wisely decided to remain where he was, and hired a little cottage of Mr. Brewster, near his own residence, where they were to set up house-keeping on a small scale, their means being very limited, but it was for them the most attractive little home, which they would not have exchanged for a palace.
There was a plenty to absorb Rosalind's energies. She worked incessantly from early morning till late at night, and assumed the whole charge of the wedding preparations, having great practical business talent. This was a great help to Mary, who needed the assistance of some one, when contending with so many unpleasant recollections, that she would gladly have foregone all needless ceremony. But Rosalind was not to be put off. Marriage, she said, was something that did not take place every day, and ought to be properly observed. She insisted on getting her a white muslin, to correspond with one of her own, so they might be dressed alike; and white, she said, was the only color suitable for a bride. Mary consented with her sweet, pensive smile, though protesting all the while that she should never wear it afterwards. She did wear it to Rosalind's wedding.
James came over and took tea with her every Sun-
