"Yes, dear. I thought you would guess." Beth only hugged her by way of congratulation, and Edith laughed a little hysterically. Beth was used to these emotional fits of Edith's. Then she began to question— "When is it to be?" "September. And you will be my bridesmaid, won't you, dear?" Beth promised. "Oh, Beth, I think marriage is the grandest institution God ever made." Beth had a strange dream-like look in her eyes, and the tea-bell broke their reverie. Mr. Ashley had dropped in for tea, and Clarence sat beside Beth, with Edith and her betrothed opposite. It was so pleasant and home-like, with the pink cluster of roses smiling in at the window. After tea, Edith and Mr. Ashley seemed prepared for a tête-à-tête, in which Mrs. Mayfair was also interested; and Clarence took Beth around to the conservatory to see a night-blooming cirius. It was not out yet, and so they went for a promenade through the long grounds toward the lake. Beth never forgot that walk in all her life to come. Somehow she did not seem herself. All her ambition and struggle seemed at rest. She was a child, a careless child, and the flowers bloomed around her, and Clarence was at her side. The lake was very calm when they reached it; the stars were shining faintly, and they could see Long Point Island like a long dark line in the distant water. "Arthur is going to take me over to the island this week," said Beth. They had just reached a little cliff jutting out over the water. It was, perhaps, one of the most picturesque scenes on the shores of Lake Erie. "Wouldn't it be grand to be on this cliff and watch a thunderstorm coming up over the lake?" said Beth. "You are very daring Beth—Miss Woodburn. Edith would rather hide her head under the blankets." "Do you know, I really love thunderstorms," continued Beth. "It is such a nice safe feeling to lie quiet and sheltered in bed and hear the thunder crash and the storm beat outside. Somehow, I always feel more deeply that God is great and powerful, and that the world has
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