Page:The Pacific Monthly volumes 1-3.djvu/53

 and dressed well. Virginia was universally admired, and she had her own share of attention. Their wants were always supplied. They seemed to have the purse of Fortunatus; it was never empty, no matter how much they took out of it. "Though, to tell the truth," she added, "my elder sister has the simplest tastes in the world; she never seems to think about herself, what she shall eat or wear, and yet is always lovely, while I spend hours fussing over my clothes, and often look a perfect fright in spite of it all."

At last the welcome news arrived that they were coming home; would sail on a certain date. Then letters from New York; they would stop in San Francisco for a few days, and finally a telegram from the last-named city:

"Virginia married this morning. Expect me the 20th. Explanations on arrival.HARRIET."

There was suppressed excitement at the homestead when this announcement was received. Virginia married, and no word or hint of an engagement! It was beyond belief, and yet, but stay, this was the 19th! That telegram had lain at Eugene for nearly a week. Harriet would be home tomorrow, and, best of good luck, there was Billy Spencer at the gate with him pet team — a pair of high-bred bays that had a record of speed not to be despised. Billy Spencer was welcomed with open arms, and the case laid before him. He jumped at the chance to drive down and bring Harriet home. He suggested putting the bays to the family carriage and taking Mrs. Dalgren and Kitty along to welcome the returning wanderer. As for Virginia's marriage, it did not much concern him. He had room in his thought?, but for one thing — Harriet was coming home, and so nearly as he could make out, as free as to her affections as when she went away.

(To be continued.)