It was to be a six months' cruise only; and on her return she was for a while to make part of the home squadron.

This furnished a good opportunity for her first lieutenant to marry; so it was agreed that the wedding should take place in June, and Katy set about her preparations in the leisurely and simple fashion which was characteristic of her.

She had no ambition for a great _trousseau_, and desired to save her father expense; so her outfit, as compared with that of most modern brides, was a very moderate one, but being planned and mostly made at home, it necessarily involved thought, time, and a good deal of personal exertion.
Dear little Clover flung herself into the affair with even more interest than if it had been her own.

Many happy mornings that winter did the sisters spend together over their dainty stitches and "white seam." Elsie and Johnnie were good needle-women now, and could help in many ways.

Mrs.
Ashe often joined them; even Amy could contribute aid in the plainer sewing, and thread everybody's needles.