Take her travelling for the summer." "Yes--yes," said Grace, earnestly.

"I'm sure it is the very best thing you can do." "But, my dear," said Captain Danton, smiling a little, "you forget that the first week of July we are to be married." "Oh, put it off," Grace said; "what does a little delay matter?
We are not like Rose and Reginald; we are old and steady, and we can trust one another and wait.

A few month's delay is nothing, and Kate's health is everything." "She might go with us," said the Captain; "suppose it took place this month instead of next, and we made a prolonged wedding-tour, she might accompany us." Grace shook her head.
"She wouldn't go.

Believe me, I know her, and she wouldn't go.

She will go with you alone, willingly--never with me." "She is unjust to you, and you are so generously ready to sacrifice your own plans to hers." "Did you ever know a young lady yet who liked the idea of a step-mother ?" said Grace, with a smile.