“Oh, yes! It will be like Juliet and John. Do you like her, Philip?”
“I should think I do, Charlotte.”
“Do you like Philip, Lilian?”
“Do you, Charlotte?”
“Oh, everybody likes Philip. Of course I do.”
“So do I.”
Meeting so many aunts, uncles, and cousins was somewhat exciting to Lilian, though she enjoyed it. But she knew how interested they all were in Philip’s choice. Many of the younger people she had met in the summer, and they greeted her as an old friend. Naturally graceful, and of a frank, friendly disposition, Lilian gained the approval of the assembled family. Ann Maria saw the flashing ring at once, and asked Philip if congratulations were in order. When he replied that they were she said, “Then you have mine, Philip,” and went up to Lilian, saying in a low tone, “Welcome into the family, Lilian.”
Nothing but the ring and Lilian’s presence indicated the engagement, but Mrs. Van Buskirk was especially thoughtful of Lilian and saw that she met all the friends at this annual family reunion. There were several packages for Lilian on the Christmas tree, among them the gift from Philip to which Cathalina had referred.
Philip stood near as Lilian opened the package, so prettily tied. “Your chains,” he explained gravely. “Let me put them on, please.”
“‘My chains!’ Oh!” Lilian laughed, as she took from the cotton two dainty gold circlets for her wrist. “Bracelets—how delicate and pretty. You have the most exquisite taste, Philip.” Cathalina came up just then, and Lilian held up her wrist, shaking her arm. “Hear them clank, Cathalina? Phil says these are my chains.”