She is my own dear child, and, in my esteem, still much too young to leave my fostering care and assume the duties and responsibilities of wifehood and motherhood." "I don't blame you, Raymond, and shall not try to persuade her to go against her father's wishes in regard to the time of assuming the cares and duties you speak of," said Keith, heaving an involuntary sigh at thought of the years of bachelorhood still evidently in store for him.
"I only wish I were sure of her even after serving seven years, as Jacob did for Rachel." "Well, I shall not cheat you as Laban did poor Jacob," returned Captain Raymond pleasantly.

"By the way, Cousins Dick and Maud made quick work of their courting, and the marriage is to follow very speedily.

In most cases such speedy work would be risky enough, but they know all about each other--at least so far as a couple may before the knot is tied which makes them one flesh.

I think very highly of both, and hope it is going to be a most happy marriage." "I hope it may, indeed," said Keith.

"Maud will be hurried with her preparations; more so than most ladies would like, I presume." "Yes; but really it will be just as well, I think, under all the circumstances.