The clerk of the weather evidently has a regard for young people, andsends sunshine for class days as often as he can. An especiallylovely one shone over Plumfield as this interesting anniversary cameround, bringing the usual accompaniments of roses, strawberries,white-gowned girls, beaming youths, proud friends, and statelydignitaries full of well-earned satisfaction with the yearly harvest.As Laurence College was a mixed one, the presence of young women asstudents gave to the occasion a grace and animation entirely wantingwhere the picturesque half of creation appear merely as spectators.The hands that turned the pages of wise books also possessed theskill to decorate the hall with flowers; eyes tired with study shonewith hospitable warmth on the assembling guests; and under the whitemuslins beat hearts as full of ambition, hope, and courage as thoseagitating the broadcloth of the ruling sex.

College Hill, Parnassus, and old Plum swarmed with cheery faces, asguests, students, and professors hurried to and fro in the pleasantexcitement of arriving and receiving. Everyone was welcomedcordially, whether he rolled up in a fine carriage, or trudged afootto see the good son or daughter come to honour on the happy day thatrewarded many a mutual sacrifice. Mr Laurie and his wife were on thereception committee, and their lovely house was overflowing. Mrs Meg,with Daisy and Jo as aides, was in demand among the girls, helping onbelated toilettes, giving an eye to spreads, and directing thedecorations. Mrs Jo had her hands full as President's lady, and themother of Ted; for it took all the power and skill of that energeticwoman to get her son into his Sunday best.

Not that he objected to be well arrayed; far from it; he adored goodclothes, and owing to his great height already revelled in adress-suit, bequeathed him by a dandy friend. The effect was veryfunny; but he would wear it in spite of the jeers of his mates, andsighed vainly for a beaver, because his stern parent drew the linethere. He pleaded that English lads of ten wore them and were 'no endnobby'; but his mother only answered, with a consoling pat of theyellow mane:

'My child, you are absurd enough now; if I let you add a tall hat,Plumfield wouldn't hold either of us, such would be the scorn andderision of all beholders. Content yourself with looking like theghost of a waiter, and don't ask for the most ridiculous head-gear inthe known world.'

Denied this noble badge of manhood, Ted soothed his wounded soul byappearing in collars of an amazing height and stiffness, and tieswhich were the wonder of all female eyes. This freak was a sort ofvengeance on his hard-hearted mother; for the collars drove thelaundress to despair, never being just right, and the ties requiredsuch art in the tying that three women sometimes laboured longbefore - like Beau Brummel - he turned from a heap of 'failures' withthe welcome words: 'That will do.' Rob was devoted on these tryingoccasions, his own toilet being distinguished only by its speed,simplicity, and neatness. Ted was usually in a frenzy before he wassuited, and roars, whistles, commands, and groans were heard from theden wherein the Lion raged and the Lamb patiently toiled. Mrs Jo boreit till boots were hurled and a rain of hair-brushes set in, then,fearing for the safety of her eldest, she would go to the rescue, andby a wise mixture of fun and authority finally succeed in persuadingTed that he was 'a thing of beauty', if not 'a joy for ever'. At lasthe would stalk majestically forth, imprisoned in collars compared towhich those worn by Dickens's afflicted Biler were trifles not worthmentioning. The dresscoat was a little loose in the shoulders, butallowed a noble expanse of glossy bosom to be seen, and with adelicate handkerchief negligently drooping at the proper angle, had atruly fine effect. Boots that shone, and likewise pinched, appearedat one end of the 'long, black clothes-pin' - as Josie calledhim - -and a youthful but solemn face at the other, carried at anangle which, if long continued, would have resulted in spinalcurvature. Light gloves, a cane, and - oh, bitter drop in the cup ofjoy! - an ignominious straw hat, not to mention a choice floweret inthe buttonhole, and a festoon of watchguard below, finished off thisimpressive boy.

'How's that for style?' he asked, appearing to his mother and cousinswhom he was to escort to the hall on this particular occasion.

A shout of laughter greeted him, followed by exclamations of horror;for he had artfully added the little blond moustache he often worewhen acting. It was very becoming, and seemed the only balm to healthe wound made by the loss of the beloved hat.

'Take it off this moment, you audacious boy! What would your fathersay to such a prank on this day when we must all behave our best?'said Mrs Jo, trying to frown, but privately thinking that among themany youths about her none were so beautiful and original as her longson.

'Let him wear it, Aunty; it's so becoming. No one will ever guess heisn't eighteen at least,' cried Josie, to whom disguise of any sortwas always charming.

'Father won't observe it; he'll be absorbed in his big-wigs and thegirls. No matter if he does, he'll enjoy the joke and introduce me ashis oldest son. Rob is nowhere when I'm in full fig'; and Ted tookthe stage with a tragic stalk, like Hamlet in a tail-coat and choker.

'My son, obey me!' and when Mrs Jo spoke in that tone her word waslaw. Later, however, the moustache appeared, and many strangersfirmly believed that there were three young Bhaers. So Ted found oneray of joy to light his gloom.

Mr Bhaer was a proud and happy man when, at the appointed hour, helooked down upon the parterre of youthful faces before him, thinkingof the 'little gardens' in which he had hopefully and faithfullysowed good seed years ago, and from which this beautiful harvestseemed to have sprung. Mr March's fine old face shone with theserenest satisfaction, for this was the dream of his life fulfilledafter patient waiting; and the love and reverence in the countenancesof the eager young men and women looking up at him plainly showedthat the reward he coveted was his in fullest measure. Laurie alwayseffaced himself on these occasions as much as courtesy would permit;for everyone spoke gratefully in ode, poem, and oration of thefounder of the college and noble dispenser of his beneficence. Thethree sisters beamed with pride as they sat among the ladies,enjoying, as only women can, the honour done the men they loved;while 'the original Plums', as the younger ones called themselves,regarded the whole affair as their work, receiving the curious,admiring, or envious glances of strangers with a mixture of dignityand delight rather comical to behold.

The music was excellent, and well it might be when Apollo waved thebaton. The poems were - as usual on such occasions - of variedexcellence, as the youthful speakers tried to put old truths into newwords, and made them forceful by the enthusiasm of their earnestfaces and fresh voices. It was beautiful to see the eager interestwith which the girls listened to some brilliant brother-student, andapplauded him with a rustle as of wind over a bed of flowers. It wasstill more significant and pleasant to watch the young men's faceswhen a slender white figure stood out against the background ofblack-coated dignitaries, and with cheeks that flushed and paled, andlips that trembled till earnest purpose conquered maiden fear, spoketo them straight out of a woman's heart and brain concerning thehopes and doubts, the aspirations and rewards all must know, desire,and labour for. This clear, sweet voice seemed to reach and rouse allthat was noblest in the souls of these youths, and to set a seal uponthe years of comradeship which made them sacred and memorable forever.

Alice Heath's oration was unanimously pronounced the success of theday; for without being flowery or sentimental, as is too apt to bethe case with these first efforts of youthful orators, it wasearnest, sensible, and so inspiring that she left the stage in astorm of applause, the good fellows being as much fired by herstirring appeal to 'march shoulder to shoulder', as if she hadchanted the 'Marseillaise' then and there. One young man was soexcited that he nearly rushed out of his seat to receive her as shehastened to hide herself among her mates, who welcomed her with facesfull of tender pride and tearful eye. A prudent sister detained him,however, and in a moment he was able to listen with composure to thePresident's remarks.

They were worth listening to, for Mr Bhaer spoke like a father to thechildren whom he was dismissing to the battle of life; and histender, wise, and helpful words lingered in their hearts long afterthe praise was forgotten. Then came other exercises peculiar toPlumfield, and the end. Why the roof did not fly off when the sturdylungs of the excited young men pealed out the closing hymn will forever be a mystery; but it remained firm, and only the fading garlandsvibrated as the waves of music rolled up and died away, leaving sweetechoes to haunt the place for another year.

Dinners and spreads consumed the afternoon, and at sunset came aslight lull as everyone sought some brief repose before thefestivities of the evening began. The President's reception was oneof the enjoyable things in store, also dancing on Parnassus, and asmuch strolling, singing, and flirting, as could be compressed into afew hours by youths and maidens just out of school.

Carriages were rolling about, and gay groups on piazzas, lawns, andwindow-seats idly speculated as to who the distinguished guests mightbe. The appearance of a very dusty vehicle loaded with trunks at MrBhaer's hospitably open door caused much curious comment among theloungers, especially as two rather foreign-looking gentlemen sprangout, followed by two young ladies, all four being greeted with criesof joy and much embracing by the Bhaers. Then they all disappearedinto the house, the luggage followed, and the watchers were left towonder who the mysterious strangers were, till a fair collegiandeclared that they must be the Professor's nephews, one of whom wasexpected on his wedding journey.

She was right; Franz proudly presented his blonde and buxom bride,and she was hardly kissed and blessed when Emil led up his bonnyEnglish Mary, with the rapturous announcement:

'Uncle, Aunt Jo, here's another daughter! Have you room for my wife,too?'

There could be no doubt of that; and Mary was with difficulty rescuedfrom the glad embraces of her new relatives, who, remembering all theyoung pair had suffered together, felt that this was the natural andhappy ending of the long voyage so perilously begun.

'But why not tell us, and let us be ready for two brides instead ofone?' asked Mrs Jo, looking as usual rather demoralizing in a wrapperand crimping-pins, having rushed down from her chamber, where she waspreparing for the labours of the evening.

'Well, I remembered what a good joke you all considered UncleLaurie's marriage, and I thought I'd give you another nice littlesurprise,' laughed Emil. 'I'm off duty, and it seemed best to takeadvantage of wind and tide, and come along as convoy to the old boyhere. We hoped to get in last night, but couldn't fetch it, so herewe are in time for the end of the jollification, anyway.'

'Ah, my sons, it is too feeling-full to see you both so happy andagain in the old home. I haf no words to outpour my gratitude, andcan only ask of the dear Gott in Himmel to bless and keep you all,'cried Professor Bhaer, trying to gather all four into his arms atonce, while tears rolled down his cheeks, and his English failed him.

An April shower cleared the air and relieved the full hearts of thehappy family; then of course everyone began to talk - Franz andLudmilla in German with uncle, Emil and Mary with the aunts; andround this group gathered the young folk, clamouring to hear allabout the wreck, and the rescue, and the homeward voyage. It was avery different story from the written one; and as they listened toEmil's graphic words, with Mary's soft voice breaking in now and thento add some fact that brought out the courage, patience, andself-sacrifice he so lightly touched upon, it became a solemn andpathetic thing to see and hear these happy creatures tell of thatgreat danger and deliverance.

'I never hear the patter of rain now that I don't want to say myprayers; and as for women, I'd like to take my hat off to every oneof 'em, for they are braver than any man I ever saw,' said Emil, withthe new gravity that was as becoming to him as the new gentlenesswith which he treated everyone.

'If women are brave, some men are as tender and self-sacrificing aswomen. I know one who in the night slipped his share of food into agirl's pocket, though starving himself, and sat for hours rocking asick man in his arms that he might get a little sleep. No, love, Iwill tell, and you must let me!' cried Mary, holding in both her ownthe hand he laid on her lips to silence her.

'Only did my duty. If that torment had lasted much longer I mighthave been as bad as poor Barry and the boatswain. Wasn't that anawful night?' And Emil shuddered as he recalled it.

'Don't think of it, dear. Tell about the happy days on the Urania,when papa grew better and we were all safe and homeward bound,' saidMary, with the trusting look and comforting touch which seemed tobanish the dark and recall the bright side of that terribleexperience.

Emil cheered up at once, and sitting with his arm about his 'dearlass', in true sailor fashion told the happy ending of the tale.

'Such a jolly old time as we had at Hamburg! Uncle Hermann couldn'tdo enough for the captain, and while mamma took care of him, Marylooked after me. I had to go into dock for repairs; fire hurt myeyes, and watching for a sail and want of sleep made 'em as hazy as aLondon fog. She was pilot and brought me in all right, you see, onlyI couldn't part company, so she came aboard as first mate, and I'mbound straight for glory now.'

'Hush! that's silly, dear,' whispered Mary, trying in her turn tostop him, with English shyness about tender topics. But he took thesoft hand in his, and proudly surveying the one ring it wore, went onwith the air of an admiral aboard his flagship.

'The captain proposed waiting a spell; but I told him we weren't liketo see any rougher weather than we'd pulled through together, and ifwe didn't know one another after such a year as this, we nevershould. I was sure I shouldn't be worth my pay without this hand onthe wheel; so I had my way, and my brave little woman has shipped forthe long voyage. God bless her!'

'Shall you really sail with him?' asked Daisy, admiring her courage,but shrinking with cat-like horror from the water.

'I'm not afraid,' answered Mary, with a loyal smile. 'I've proved mycaptain in fair weather and in foul, and if he is ever wrecked again,I'd rather be with him than waiting and watching ashore.'

'A true woman, and a born sailor's wife! You are a happy man, Emil,and I'm sure this trip will be a prosperous one,' cried Mrs Jo,delighted with the briny flavour of this courtship. 'Oh, my dear boy,I always felt you'd come back, and when everyone else despaired Inever gave up, but insisted that you were clinging to the main-topjib somewhere on that dreadful sea'; and Mrs Jo illustrated her faithby grasping Emil with a truly Pillycoddian gesture.

'Of course I was!' answered Emil heartily; 'and my "main-top jib" inthis case was the thought of what you and Uncle said to me. Thatkept me up; and among the million thoughts that came to me duringthose long nights none was clearer than the idea of the red strand,you remember - English navy, and all that. I liked the notion, andresolved that if a bit of my cable was left afloat, the red stripeshould be there.'

'And it was, my dear, it was! Captain Hardy testifies to that, andhere is your reward'; and Mrs Jo kissed Mary with a maternaltenderness which betrayed that she liked the English rose better thanthe blue-eyed German Kornblumen, sweet and modest though it was.

Emil surveyed the little ceremony with complacency, saying, as helooked about the room which he never thought to see again: 'Odd,isn't it, how clearly trifles come back to one in times of danger? Aswe floated there, half-starved, and in despair, I used to think Iheard the bells ringing here, and Ted tramping downstairs, and youcalling, "Boys, boys, it's time to get up!" I actually smelt thecoffee we used to have, and one night I nearly cried when I woke froma dream of Asia's ginger cookies. I declare, it was one of thebitterest disappointments of my life to face hunger with that spicysmell in my nostrils. If you've got any, do give me one!'

A pitiful murmur broke from all the aunts and cousins, and Emil wasat once borne away to feast on the desired cookies, a supply alwaysbeing on hand. Mrs Jo and her sister joined the other group, glad tohear what Franz was saying about Nat.

'The minute I saw how thin and shabby he was, I knew that somethingwas wrong; but he made light of it, and was so happy over our visitand news that I let him off with a brief confession, and went toProfessor Baumgarten and Bergmann. From them I learned the wholestory of his spending more money than he ought and trying to atonefor it by unnecessary work and sacrifice. Baumgarten thought itwould do him good, so kept his secret till I came. It did him good,and he's paid his debts and earned his bread by the sweat of hisbrow, like an honest fellow.'

'I like that much in Nat. It is, as I said, a lesson, and he learnsit well. He proves himself a man, and has deserved the place Bergmannoffers him,' said Mr Bhaer, looking well pleased as Franz added somefacts already recorded.

'I told you, Meg, that he had good stuff in him, and love for Daisywould keep him straight. Dear lad, I wish I had him here thismoment!' cried Mrs Jo, forgetting in delight the doubts and anxietieswhich had troubled her for months past.

'I am very glad, and suppose I shall give in as I always do,especially now that the epidemic rages so among us. You and Emil haveset all their heads in a ferment, and Josie will be demanding a loverbefore I can turn round,' answered Mrs Meg, in a tone of despair.

But her sister saw that she was touched by Nat's trials, and hastenedto add the triumphs, that the victory might be complete, for successis always charming.

'This offer of Herr Bergmann is a good one, isn't it?' she asked,though Mr Laurie had already satisfied her on that point when Nat'sletter brought the news.

'Very fine in every way. Nat will get capital drill in Bachmeister'sorchestra, see London in a delightful way, and if he suits come homewith them, well started among the violins. No great honour, but asure thing and a step up. I congratulated him, and he was very jollyover it, saying, like the true lover he is: "Tell Daisy; be sure andtell her all about it." I'll leave that to you, Aunt Meg, and you canalso break it gently to her that the old boy had a fine blond beard.Very becoming; hides his weak mouth, and gives a noble air to his bigeyes and "Mendelssohnian brow", as a gushing girl called it. Ludmillahas a photo of it for you.'

This amused them; and they listened to many other interesting bits ofnews which kind Franz, even in his own happiness, had not forgottento remember for his friend's sake. He talked so well, and paintedNat's patient and pathetic shifts so vividly, that Mrs Meg was halfwon; though if she had learned of the Minna episode and the fiddlingin beer-gardens and streets, she might not have relented so soon. Shestored up all she heard, however, and, womanlike, promised herself adelicious talk with Daisy, in which she would allow herself to meltby degrees, and perhaps change the doubtful 'We shall see' to acordial 'He has done well; be happy, dear'.

In the midst of this agreeable chat the sudden striking of a clockrecalled Mrs Jo from romance to reality, and she exclaimed, with aclutch at her crimping-pins:

'My blessed people, you must eat and rest; and I must dress, orreceive in this disgraceful rig. Meg, will you take Ludmilla and Maryupstairs and see to them? Franz knows the way to the dining-room.Fritz, come with me and be made tidy, for what with heat and emotion,we are both perfect wrecks.'