Afterwards they went down to the harbor from which the bride and groom were to sail.
"Like the owl and the pussy cat," said Ethelwyn, cheerfully.
As they kissed their friend good-bye, they placed around her neck a pretty chain, hanging from which was a medallion with their pictures painted on it.
"You can look at us when you get lonesome," suggested Beth.
The last good-bye was said, and they drove sadly home in a fine, drenching rain that had suddenly fallen like a vail over their golden day.
'Vada had started the open fires and they were cheerfully cracking, while Polly from her pole croaked crossly, "Shut up, do! Quit making all that fuss!"
Mrs. Rayburn took Aunty Stevens away with her, and by and by in the afternoon, they found her tucked up on the couch in their sitting-room looking somewhat happier.
"Aren't you glad you have us, and specially mother?" asked Beth, kissing her.
There was only one answer possible to this, and it was given with such emphasis that Ethelwyn nodded and said, "That's the way we feel. Mother knows how to fix things right better'n anybody, unless it should be God."
"Let's sing awhile, sister, while mother thinks of a story or two," suggested Beth.