Steve's engagement made a great stir in the family a pleasant onethis time, for nobody objected, everything seemed felicitous, andthe course of true love ran very smoothly for the young couple,who promised to remove the only obstacle to their union bygrowing old and wise as soon as possible. If he had not been sogenuinely happy, the little lover's airs would have been unbearable,for he patronized all mankind in general, his brother and eldercousins in particular.

"Now, that is the way to manage matters," he declared, standingbefore the fire in Aunt Clara's billiard room a day or two after theball, with his hands behind his back. "No nonsense, no delay, nodomestic rows or tragic separations. Just choose with taste andjudgment, make yourself agreeable through thick and thin, andwhen it is perfectly evident that the dear creature adores theground you walk on, say the word like a man, and there you are."

"All very easy to do that with a girl like Kitty, who has noconfounded notions to spoil her and trip you up every time youdon't exactly toe the mark," muttered Charlie, knocking the ballsabout as if it were a relief to hit something, for he was in agloriously bad humor that evening, because time hung heavy onhis hands since he had forsworn the company he could not keepwithout danger to himself.

"You should humor those little notions, for all women have them,and it needs tact to steer clear of them. Kitty's got dozens, but Itreat them with respect, have my own way when I can, give inwithout growling when I can't, and we get on like a couple of - "

"Spoons," put in Charlie, who felt that he had not steered clear andso suffered shipwreck in sight of land.

Steve meant to have said "doves," but his cousin's levity causedhim to add with calm dignity, "reasonable beings," and thenrevenged himself by making a good shot which won him the game.

"You always were a lucky little dog, Steve. I don't begrudge you aparticle of your happiness, but it does seem as if things weren'tquite fair sometimes," said Archie, suppressing an envious sigh,for, though he seldom complained, it was impossible to contrasthis own and his cousin's prospects with perfect equanimity.

observed Mac, quoting Euripides in a conversational tone as he layupon a divan reposing after a hard day's work.

"Thank you," said Archie, brightening a little, for a hopeful wordfrom any source was very comfortable.

"That's your favorite Rip, isn't it? He was a wise old boy, but youcould find advice as good as that nearer home," put in Steve, whojust then felt equal to slapping Plato on the shoulder, so elated washe at being engaged "first of all the lot," as he gracefully expressedit.

"Don't halloo till you are out of the wood, Dandy Mrs. Kit hasjilted two men, and may a third, so you'd better not brag of yourwisdom too soon, for she may make a fool of you yet," saidCharlie, cynically, his views of life being very gloomy about thistime.

"No, she won't, Steve, if you do your part honestly. There's themaking of a good little woman in Kitty, and she has proved it bytaking you instead of those other fellows. You are not a Solomon,but you're not spoilt yet, and she had the sense to see it," said Macencouragingly from his corner, for he and his brother were betterfriends than even since the little scene at the Van Tassels'.

"Hear! Hear!" cried Steve, looking more than ever like a cheerfulyoung cockerel trying to crow as he stood upon the hearth rug withhis hands under his coat tails, rising and falling alternately uponthe toes and heels of his neat little boots.

"Come, you've given them each a pat on the head haven't you gotone for me? I need it enough, for if ever there was a poor devilborn under an evil star, it is C. C. Campbell," exclaimed Charlie,leaning his chin on his cue with a discontented expression ofcountenance, for trying to be good is often very hard work till onegets used to it.

"Oh, yes! I can accommodate you." And, as if his words suggestedthe selection, Mac, still lying flat upon his back, repeated one ofhis favorite bits from Beaumont and Fletcher, for he had awonderful memory and could reel off poetry by the hour together.

"Confoundedly bad angels they are too," muttered Charlie ruefully,remembering the one that undid him.

His cousins never knew exactly what occurred on New Year'snight, but suspected that something was amiss, for Charlie had theblues, and Rose, though as kind as ever, expressed no surprise athis long absences. They had all observed and wondered at thisstate of things, yet discreetly made no remark till Steve, who wasas inquisitive as a magpie, seized this opportunity to say in afriendly tone, which showed that he bore no malice for the darkprophecy regarding his Kitty's faithfulness: "What's the trouble,Prince? You are so seldom in a bad humor that we don't knowwhat to make of it and all feel out of spirits when you have theblues. Had a tiff with Rose?"

"Never you mind, little boy, but this I will say the better womenare, the more unreasonable they are. They don't require us to besaints like themselves, which is lucky, but they do expect us torender an 'honest and a perfect man' sometimes, and that is askingrather too much in a fallen world like this," said Charlie, glad toget a little sympathy, though he had no intention of confessing histransgressions.

"No, it isn't," said Mac, decidedly.

"Much you know about it," began Charlie, ill pleased to be soflatly contradicted.

"Well, I know this much," added Mac, suddenly sitting up with hishair in a highly disheveled condition. "It is very unreasonable in usto ask women to be saints and then expect them to feel honoredwhen we offer them our damaged hearts or, at best, one not half asgood as theirs. If they weren't blinded by love, they'd see what amean advantage we take of them and not make such bad bargains."

"Upon my word, the philosopher is coming out strong upon thesubject! We shall have him preaching 'Women's Rights' directly,"said Steve, much amazed at this outburst.

"I've begun, you see, and much good may it do you," answeredMac, laying himself placidly down again.

"Well, but look here, man you are arguing on the wrong side," putin Archie, quite agreeing with him, but feeling that he must standby his order at all costs.

"Never mind sides, uphold the right wherever you find it. Youneedn't stare, Steve I told you I was going to look into this matter,and I am. You think I'm wrapped up in books, but I see a great dealmore of what is going on around me than you imagine, and I'mgetting on in this new branch, let me tell you, quite as fast as isgood for me, I daresay."

"Going in for perfection, are you?" asked Charlie, both amused andinterested, for he respected Mac more than he owned even tohimself, and though he had never alluded to the timely warning,neither forgot.

"Yes, I think of it."

"How will you begin?"

"Do my best all-round keep good company, read good books, lovegood things, and cultivate soul and body as faithfully and wisely asI can."

"And you expect to succeed, do you?"

"Please God, I will."

The quiet energy of Mac's last words produced a momentarysilence. Charlie thoughtfully studied the carpet; Archie, who hadbeen absently poking the fire, looked over at Mac as if he thankedhim again, and Steve, forgetting his self-conceit, began to wonderif it was not possible to improve himself a little for Kitty's sake.Only a minute, for young men do not give much time to thoughtsof this kind, even when love stirs up the noblest impulses withinthem. To act rather than to talk is more natural to most of them, asCharlie's next question showed, for, having the matter much atheart, he ventured to ask in an offhand way as he laughed andtwirled his cue: "Do you intend to reach the highest point ofperfection before you address one of the fair saints, or shall youask her to lend a hand somewhere short of that?"

"As it takes a long lifetime to do what I plan, I think I shall asksome good woman 'to lend a hand' when I've got anything worthoffering her. Not a saint, for I never shall be one myself, but agentle creature who will help me, as I shall try to help her, so thatwe can go on together and finish our work hereafter, if we haven'ttime to do it here."

If Mac had been a lover, he would not have discussed the subjectin this simple and sincere fashion, though he might have felt it farmore deeply, but being quite heart-free, he frankly showed hisinterest and, curiously enough, out of his wise young headunconsciously gave the three lovers before him counsel which theyvalued, because he practiced what he preached.

"Well, I hope you'll find her!" said Charlie heartily as he went backto his game.

"I think I shall." And while the others played, Mac lay staring atthe window curtain as contentedly as if, through it, he beheld "adream of fair women" from which to choose his future mate.

A few days after this talk in the billiard room, Kitty went to callupon Rose, for as she was about to enter the family she felt it herduty to become acquainted with all its branches. This branch,however, she cultivated more assiduously than any other and wascontinually running in to confer with "Cousin Rose," whom sheconsidered the wisest, dearest, kindest girl ever created. And Rose,finding that, in spite of her flighty head, Kitty had a good heart ofher own, did her best to encourage all the new hopes andaspirations springing up in it under the warmth of the first genuineaffection she had ever known.

"My dear, I want to have some serious conversation with you upona subject in which I take an interest for the first time in my life,"began Miss Kitty, seating herself and pulling off her gloves as ifthe subject was one which needed a firm grasp.

"Tell away, and don't mind if I go on working, as I want to finishthis job today," answered Rose, with a long-handled paintbrush inher hand and a great pair of shears at her side.

"You are always so busy! What is it now? Let me help I can talkfaster when I'm doing something," which seemed hardly possible,for Kitty's tongue went like a mill clapper at all hours.

"Making picture books for my sick babies at the hospital. Prettywork, isn't it? You cut out, and I'll paste them on these squares ofgay cambric then we just tie up a few pages with a ribbon andthere is a nice, light, durable book for the poor dears to look at asthey lie in their little beds."

"A capital idea. Do you go there often? How ever do you find thetime for such things?" asked Kitty, busily cutting from a big sheetthe touching picture of a parent bird with a red head and a blue tailoffering what looked like a small boa constrictor to one of itsnestlings, a fat young squab with a green head, yellow body, andno tail at all.

"I have plenty of time now I don't go out so much, for a party usesup two days generally one to prepare for it and one to get over it,you know."

"People think it is so odd of you to give up society all of a sudden.They say you have 'turned pious' and it is owing to your peculiarbringing-up. I always take your part and say it is a pity other girlshaven't as sensible an education, for I don't know one who is assatisfactory on the whole as you are."

"Much obliged. You may also tell people I gave up gaiety becauseI value health more. But I haven't forsworn everything of the kind,Kit. I go to concerts and lectures, and all sorts of early things, andhave nice times at home, as you know. I like fun as well as ever,but I'm getting on, you see, and must be preparing a little for theserious part of life. One never knows when it may come," saidRose, thoughtfully as she pasted a squirrel upside down on thepink cotton page before her.

"That reminds me of what I wanted to say. If you'll believe me, mydear, Steve has got that very idea into his head! Did you or Macput it there?" asked Kitty, industriously clashing her shears.

"No, I've given up lecturing the boys lately they are so big nowthey don't like it, and I fancy I'd got into a way that was rathertiresome."

"Well, then, he is 'turning pious' too. And what is very singular, Ilike it. Now don't smile I really do and I want to be getting readyfor the 'serious part of life,' as you call it. That is, I want to growbetter as fast as I can, for Steve says he isn't half good enough forme. Just think of that!"

Kitty looked so surprised and pleased and proud that Rose felt nodesire to laugh at her sudden fancy for sobriety but said in hermost sympathetic tone: "I'm very glad to hear it, for it shows thathe loves you in the right way."

"Is there more than one way?"

"Yes, I fancy so, because some people improve so much after theyfall in love, and others do not at all. Have you never observedthat?"

"I never learned how to observe. Of course I know that somematches turn out well and some don't, but I never thought muchabout it."

"Well, I have, for I was rather interested in the subject lately andhad a talk with Aunt Jessie and Uncle about it."

"Gracious! You don't talk to them about such things, do you?"

"Yes, indeed. I ask any questions I like, and always get a goodanswer. It is such a nice way to learn, Kitty, for you don't have topore over books, but as things come along you talk about them andremember, and when they are spoken of afterward you understandand are interested, though you don't say a word," explained Rose.

"It must be nice, but I haven't anyone to do so for me. Papa is toobusy, and Mama always says when I ask question, 'Don't troubleyour head with such things, child,' so I don't. What did you learnabout matches turning out well? I'm interested in that, because Iwant mine to be quite perfect in all respects."

"After thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that Uncle wasright, and it is not always safe to marry a person just because youlove him," began Rose, trying to enlighten Kitty without betrayingherself.

"Of course not if they haven't money or are bad. But otherwise Idon't see what more is needed," said Kitty wonderingly.

"One should stop and see if it is a wise love, likely to help bothparties and wear well, for you know it ought to last all one'slifetime, and it is very sad if it doesn't."

"I declare it quite scares me to think of it, for I don't usually gobeyond my wedding day in making plans. I remember, though, thatwhen I was engaged the first time you don't know the man; it wasjust after you went away, and I was only sixteen someone veryill-naturedly said I should 'marry in haste and repent at leisure,' andthat made me try to imagine how it would seem to go on year afteryear with Gustavus who had a dreadful temper, by the way and itworried me so to think of it that I broke the engagement, and wasso glad ever afterward."

"You were a wise girl and I hope you'll do it again if you find, aftera time, that you and Steve do not truly trust and respect as well aslove one another. If you don't, you'll be miserable when it is toolate, as so many people are who do marry in haste and have alifetime to repent it. Aunt Jessie says so, and she knows."

"Don't be solemn, Rose. It fidgets me to think about life-times, andrespecting, and all those responsible things. I'm not used to it, and Idon't know how to do it."

"But you must think, and you must learn how before you take theresponsibility upon yourself. That is what your life is for, and youmustn't spoil it by doing a very solemn thing without seeing if youare ready for it."

"Do you think about all this?" asked Kitty, shrugging up hershoulders as if responsibility of any sort did not sit comfortably onthem.

"One has to sometimes, you know. But is that all you wanted totell me?" added Rose, anxious to turn the conversation fromherself.

"Oh, dear, no! The most serious thing of all is this. Steve is puttinghimself in order generally, and so I want to do my part, and I mustbegin right away before my thoughts get distracted with clothesand all sorts of dear, delightful, frivolous things that I can't helpliking. Now I wish you'd tell me where to begin. Shouldn't Iimprove my mind by reading something solid?" And Kitty lookedover at the well-filled bookcase as if to see if it contained anythinglarge and dry enough to be considered "solid."

"It would be an excellent plan, and we'll look up something. Whatdo you feel as if you needed most?"

"A little of everything I should say, for when I look into my mindthere really doesn't seem to be much there but odds and ends, andyet I'm sure I've read a great deal more than some girls do. Isuppose novels don't count, though, and are of no use, for,goodness knows, the people and things they describe aren't a bitlike the real ones."

"Some novels are very useful and do as much good as sermons,I've heard Uncle say, because they not only describe truly, butteach so pleasantly that people like to learn in that way," saidRose, who knew the sort of books Kitty had read and did notwonder that she felt rather astray when she tried to guide herself bytheir teaching.

"You pick me out some of the right kind, and I'll apply my mind tothem. Then I ought to have some 'serious views' and 'methods' and'principles.' Steve said 'principles,' good firm ones, you know." AndKitty gave a little pull at the bit of cambric she was cutting ashousewives pull cotton or calico when they want "a good firmarticle."

Rose could not help laughing now, though much pleased, for Kittywas so prettily in earnest, and yet so perfectly ignorant how tobegin on the self-improvement she very much needed, that it waspathetic as well as comical to see and hear her.

"You certainly want some of those, and must begin at once to getthem, but Aunt Jessie can help you there better than I can, or AuntJane, for she has very 'firm' ones, I assure you," said Rose, soberingdown as quickly as possible.

"Mercy on us! I should never dare to say a word about it to Mrs.Mac, for I'm dreadfully afraid of her, she is so stern, and how I'mever to get on when she is my mother-in-law I don't know!" criedKitty, clasping her hands in dismay at the idea.

"She isn't half as stern as she looks, and if you go to her withoutfear, you've no idea how sensible and helpful she is. I used to befrightened out of my wits with her, but now I'm not a bit, and weget on nicely. Indeed, I'm fond of her, she is so reliable and uprightin all things."

"She certainly is the straightest woman I ever saw, and the mostprecise. I never shall forget how scared I was when Steve took meup to see her that first time. I put on all my plainest things, did myhair in a meek knob, and tried to act like a sober, sedate youngwoman. Steve would laugh at me and say I looked like a prettynun, so I couldn't be as proper as I wished. Mrs. Mac was verykind, of course, but her eye was so sharp I felt as if she saw rightthrough me, and knew that I'd pinned on my bonnet strings, lost abutton off my boot, and didn't brush my hair for ten minutes everynight," said Kitty in an awe-stricken tone.

"She likes you, though, and so does Uncle, and he's set his heart onhaving you live with them by and by, so don't mind her eyes butlook straight up at her, and you'll see how kind they can grow."

"Mac likes me, too, and that did please me, for he doesn't like girlsgenerally. Steve told me he said I had the 'making of a capital littlewoman in me.' Wasn't it nice of him? Steve was so proud, thoughhe does laugh at Mac sometimes."

"Don't disappoint them, dear. Encourage Steve in all the goodthings he likes or wants, make friends with Mac, love Aunt Jane,and be a daughter to Uncle, and you'll find yourself a very happygirl."

"I truly will, and thank you very much for not making fun of me. Iknow I'm a little goose, but lately I've felt as if I might come tosomething if I had the right sort of help. I'll go up and see AuntJessie tomorrow. I'm not a bit afraid of her, and then if you'll justquietly find out from Uncle Doctor what I must read, I'll work ashard as I can. Don't tell anyone, please, they'll think it odd andaffected, and I can't bear to be laughed at, though I daresay it isgood discipline."

Rose promised, and both worked in silence for a moment, thenKitty asked rather timidly: "Are you and Charlie trying this plantoo? Since you've left off going out so much, he keeps away also,and we don't know what to make of it."

"He has had what he calls an 'artistic fit' lately, set up a studio, andis doing some crayon sketches of us all. If he'd only finish histhings, they would be excellent, but he likes to try a great variety atonce. I'll take you in sometime, and perhaps he will do a portrait ofyou for Steve. He likes girls' faces and gets the likenesseswonderfully well."

"People say you are engaged but I contradict it, because, of course,I should know if you were."

"We are not."

"I'm glad of it, for really, Rose, I'm afraid Charlie hasn't got 'firmprinciples,' though he is a fascinating fellow and one can't scoldhim. You don't mind my saying so, do you, dear?" added Kitty, forRose did not answer at once.

"Not in the least, for you are one of us now, and I can speakfrankly and I will, for I think in one way you can help Steve verymuch. You are right about Charlie, both as to the principles andthe fascination. Steve admires him exceedingly, and always from aboy liked to imitate his pleasant ways. Some of them are veryharmless and do Steve good, but some are not. I needn't talk aboutit, only you must show your boy that you depend on him to keepout of harm and help him do it."

"I will, I will! And then perhaps, when he is a perfect model,Charlie will imitate him. I really begin to feel as if I had a greatdeal to do." And Kitty looked as if she was beginning to like italso.

"We all have and the sooner we go to work the better for us andthose we love. You wouldn't think now that Phebe was doinganything for Archie, but she is, and writes such splendid letters,they stir him up wonderfully and make us all love and admire hermore than ever."

"How is she getting on?" asked Kitty, who, though she calledherself a "little goose," had tact enough to see that Rose did notcare to talk about Charlie.

"Nicely, for you know she used to sing in our choir, so that was agood recommendation for another. She got a fine place in the newchurch at L - - , and that gives her a comfortable salary, though shehas something put away. She was always a saving creature andkept her wages carefully. Uncle invested them, and she begins tofeel quite independent already. No fear but my Phebe will get onshe has such energy and manages so well. I sometimes wish Icould run away and work with her."

"Ah, my dear! We rich girls have our trials as well as poor ones,though we don't get as much pity as they do," sighed Kitty."Nobody knows what I suffer sometimes from worries that I can'ttalk about, and I shouldn't get much sympathy if I did, just becauseI live in a big house, wear good gowns, and have lots of lovers.Annabel used to say she envied me above all created beings, butshe doesn't now, and is perfectly absorbed in her dear littleChinaman. Do you see how she ever could like him?"

So they began to gossip, and the sober talk was over for that time,but when Kitty departed, after criticizing all her dear friends andtheir respective sweethearts, she had a helpful little book in hermuff, a resolute expression on her bright face, and so manyexcellent plans for self-improvement in her busy brain that she andSteve bid fair to turn out the model couple of the century.