"But Mildred is no longer a bride. Milly, my dear, I want you to help me to select a dress for the bride that is to be."
Mildred looked up with a pleased smile. "Just like you, Charlie; always thoughtful and generous!"
Ada Keith was the coming bride. She and Frank Osborne had been engaged for some weeks, and expected to marry in the fall. This news had increased Annis's desire to get home. She wanted, she said, to see how Mr. Osborne and Ada acted, and whether they looked very happy.
"And just to think," she added, "when they're married Fan will be Miss Keith, and we two will be the young ladies of the family."
"Ah, indeed! How old may you be, my little maid?" laughed the doctor.
"Most thirteen," returned the little girl, drawing herself up with an air of importance.
"A very young young lady, most decidedly," he said with a humorous look, bending down to pinch her rosy cheek as he spoke.
"I'm growing older every day," she answered demurely, edging away from him. "Father told me a year ago that I'd soon be a woman."
"Quite soon enough, dear; don't try to hurry matters," said Aunt Wealthy. "You can never be a little girl again."
Mildred, having brought a competent nurse with her thus far on her journey, a colored woman who would serve her in the care of little Percy while they remained in Philadelphia, then return to the South with Mrs. Dinsmore, was able to give herself to the shopping without distraction.