The stoop with its "settle," the ladder for posies, at the foot of which the morning-glories were already planted, and the "cupalo," had ceased to be dreams, and become realities.

Still, it all seemed a dream to Jim.

He waked in the morning in his own room, and wondered whether he were not dreaming.

He went out upon his piazza, and saw the cabin in which he had spent so many nights in his old simple life, then went off and looked up at his house or ranged through the rooms, and experienced the emotion of regret so common to those in similar circumstances, that he could never again be what he had been, or be contented with what he had been--that he had crossed a point in his life which his retiring feet could never repass.

It was the natural reaction of the long strain of expectation which he had experienced, and would pass away; but while it was upon him he mourned over the death of his old self, and the hopeless obliteration of his old circumstances.
Mr.Balfour had been written to, and would keep his promise to be present at the wedding, with Mrs.Balfour and the boys.