This means everything to me.

No jokes, dear, if you love me.' Josie's answer was a kiss that promised all things; and then she ran away to do her 'gentle spiriting', like Ariel, leaving Demi to dream among the roses like Ferdinand.
Mary and Ludmilla were charmed with their bouquets; and the giver had the delight of putting some of the flowers into the dark hair and the light as she played maid at the toilettes of 'our brides', which consoled her for a disappointment in the matter of veils.
No one helped Alice dress; for Daisy was in the next room with her mother; and not even their loving eyes saw the welcome which the little posy received, nor the tears and smiles and blushes that came and went as she read the note and pondered what answer she should give.

There was no doubt about the one she wished to give; but duty held her back; for at home there was an invalid mother and an old father.

She was needed there, with all the help she could now bring by the acquirements four years of faithful study had given her.

Love looked very sweet, and a home of her own with John a little heaven on earth; but not yet.