"Everything, everything, dear. Besides, your education will begin from to-day. You will improve yourself in the arts of reading and writing. Learn grammar, history, geography, and other things. I will have you well taught at once, whilst I am away in town to make preparations for our wedding. I must go about the licence, and through other formalities; buy the wedding-ring; your dress—for, of course, as my wife, you must now dress as beseems a lady, and leave off this simple garb; and yet it seems a pity, for I have always known you thus. Still, for the sake of public opinion—to avoid misunderstanding——"
"I care nothing about all that," broke in Helen.
"No, my darling; not yet. You do not understand. But in time you will find that you have to."
"Well, I will do anything to please you, Van."
"My own darling!" said her lover, encircling his arm around her waist.
Well, my readers, and if their lips did meet; what of it? It is a way that lips have under the circumstances.
"And now, gentlemen, and members of the Wonder Club, let me introduce you to the future Mrs. Vandyke McGuilp," said our artist, on his return from his walk, as he entered the club room, leading his fiancée by the hand.
Taken completely by surprise, each member rose from his chair, bowed, smiled, and offered his congratulations. Mr. Oldstone was particularly moist on this occasion.
"Oh! my dear boy, how I congratulate you; and you too, my pretty child! Bless you, my children, both!"