CHAPTER VII.
THE BRIDE.
After Sally's marriage there occurred at our house an interval of quiet, enlivened occasionally by letters from Cousin Emma, whose health was not as much improved by her visit to the country as she had at first hoped it would be; consequently she proposed spending the winter south.

Meantime, from Boston letters came frequently to Carrie Howard, and as the autumn advanced, things within and about her father's house foretold some unusual event.

Two dressmakers were hired from the village, and it was stated, on good authority, that among Carrie's wardrobe was a white satin and an elegantly embroidered merino traveling-dress.
Numerous were the surmises of Juliet and Anna as to who and how many would be invited to the wedding.

All misgivings concerning themselves were happily brought to an end a week before the time, for there came to our house handsome cards of invitation for Juliet and Anna, and--I could scarcely believe my eyes--there was one for me too.

For this I was indebted to Aunt Eunice, who had heard of and commiserated my misfortunes at Sally's wedding.
I was sorry that my invitation came so soon, for I had but little hope that the time would ever come.