Mr. Roland Bayard insisted on seeing them safely through the woods of Oldfield.

So, when well wrapped up in their warm outer garments, they took leave of Miss Sibby and her guest, and set out for Oldfield, young Bayard gallantly escorting the two sisters on their walk, and the negro boy, Dan, leading the horse on which Rosemary rode.

They reached Oldfield in good time.

Young Bayard declined their invitation to enter, but promised to call soon, and so bade them good-night at the door.

CHAPTER XX

THE WEDDING DAY

“Mother; Oh, mother! Give me something to help me to go through this day—something to stupefy—something to deaden me!”

It was Odalite’s voice.

She had arisen from a sleepless bed, and come into her mother’s room as soon as she had heard her father leave it.