Family Pride

"His burden is greater than mine. God help us both," Marian said, as she resumed her work.

And so amid joy and gladness, silent tears and breaking hearts the preparations went on until all was done, and only three days remained before the eventful tenth. Marian Hazelton was going home, for she would not stay at the farmhouse until all was over, notwithstanding Katy's entreaties, joined to those of Helen.

"Perhaps she would come to the church," she said, "though she could not promise;" and her manner was so strange as she gathered up her things that Katy wondered if in any way she could have been offended, and at last said to her timidly, as she stood with her bonnet on waiting for Uncle Ephraim: "You are not angry with me for anything, are you?"

"Angry with you!" and Katy never forgot the glitter of the tearful eyes, or their peculiar expression as they turned upon her. "No, oh, no; I could not be angry with you, and yet, Katy Lennox, some in my position would hate you, contrasting your prospects with their own; but I do not; I love you; I bless you, and pray that you may be happy with your husband; honor him, obey him if need be, and above all, never give him the slightest cause to doubt you. You will have admirers, Katy Lennox. In New York others than your husband will speak to you words of flattery, but don't you listen. Remember what I tell you; and now, again, God bless you."

She touched her lips to Katy's forehead, and when they were withdrawn there were great tears there which she had left! Marian's tears on Katy's brow; and truly, it was very meet that just before her bridal day Wilford Cameron's bride should receive such baptism from Marian Hazelton.