Mrs. Baird made short work of clearing away the remains of the supper and setting everything to rights. Then taking two of her sons with her, she repaired to the garden.
All three presently returned laden with flowers, with which they proceeded to ornament the parlor, after setting aside some of the fairest and most fragrant for the adornment of the bride.
"What next, mother?" asked Tom. "You are hardly thinking of having a wedding in the house without refreshments, I suppose?"
"No; I've plenty of cake baked: three kinds—bride, pound, and sponge cakes. Now you boys go to the garden and gather all the finest fruits you can find, while I help the bride to dress."
"Dress?" laughed Tom; "what has she to dress in? Will she put on her Indian toggery again?"
"You'll see when the time comes," said his mother. "Now off with you, and show how well you can do your part."
Mr. Baird had repaired to the front porch with his guests, and an animated conversation was going on there, Mr. Clark and Rupert being the chief speakers, when the good lady of the house appeared among them with the announcement that it was time for every one of them to be dressing for the wedding.
"You know your room, Mr. Clark. I've had your saddlebags carried there, and you'll find everything necessary for making your toilet. Mr. Baird, will you please to attend to Mr. Keith? I shall take care of the bride." And linking Juanita's arm in hers she led her into the house and to a large, airy bedroom that, with its white draped windows, toilet-table, and bed, looked very suitable for a bridal chamber.
The white dress, the new moccasins, and a profusion of loveliest flowers were there.