The latter had lost no near relative by the war, and--to wee Elsie's delight--the meeting between "Aunt Lottie and mamma," seemed one of unalloyed pleasure.
Unlike those of her older sisters, May's was a private wedding--none but the family and a few near relatives and connections being present.

Though deeply attached to Harry, and trusting him fully, much of sadness was unavoidably mingled with her happiness as she prepared for her bridal.

It could not be otherwise, as she thought of Fred in his soldier grave, Harold soon to follow, and Sophie--whose had been the last wedding in the paternal home, and so gay and joyous a one--now in her widow's weeds and well-nigh broken-hearted.
"Mine will not be a gay bridal," May had said, in arranging her plans; "and I will just wear my traveling suit." But Harold objected.

"No, no, May; I want to see you dressed as Rose and Sophie were--in white, with veil and orange blossoms.

Why shouldn't your beauty be set off to the best advantage as well as theirs, even though only the eyes of those who love you will look upon it ?" And so it was; for Harold's wishes were sacred now.
They were married in the morning; and after a sumptuous breakfast the bridal attire was exchanged for the traveling suit, and the new-made husband and wife set out upon their wedding trip.