everyone looked very happy, and the old room seemed to brighten up amazingly when the first romance of the family began there.

`You can't say nothing pleasant ever happens now, can you, Meg?' said Amy, trying to decide how she would group the lovers in the sketch she was planning to make.

`No, I'm sure I can't. Flow much has happened since I said that! It seems a year ago,' answered Meg, who was in a blissful dream, lifted far above such common things as bread and butter.

`The joys come close upon the sorrows this time, and I rather think the changes have begun,' said Mrs. March. `In most families there comes, now and then, a year full of events; this has been such a one, but it ends well after all.'

`Hope the next will end better,' muttered Jo, who found it very hard to see Meg absorbed in a stranger before her face; for Jo loved a few persons very dearly, and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way.

`I hope the third year from this will end better; I mean it shall, if I live to work out my plans,' said Mr. Brooke, smiling at Meg, as if everything had become possible to him now.

`Doesn't it seem very long to wait?' asked Amy, who was in a hurry for the wedding.

`I've got so much to learn before I shall be ready, it seems a short time to me,' answered Meg, with a sweet gravity in her face, never seen there before.

`You have only to wait; I have to do the work,' said John, beginning his labours by picking up Meg's napkin, with an expression which caused Jo to shake her head, and then say to herself, with an air of relief, as the front door banged, `Here comes Laurie. Now we shall have a little sensible conversation.' But Jo was mistaken; for Laurie came prancing in flowing with spirits, bearing a great bridal-looking bouquet for "Mrs. John Brooke", and evidently labouring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by his excellent management. `I knew Brooke would have it all his own way, he always does; for when he makes up his mind to accomplish anything, it's done, though the sky falls,' said Laurie, when he had presented his offering and his congratulations.

`Much obliged for that recommendation. I take it as a good omen for the future, and invite you to my wedding on the spot,' answered Mr. Brooke, who felt at peace with all mankind, even his mischievous pupil.

`I'll come if I'm at the ends of the earth; for the sight of Jo's face alone on that occasion would be worth a long journey. You don't look festive, ma'am; what's the matter?' asked Laurie, following her into a corner of the parlour, whither all had adjourned to greet Mr. Laurence.

`I don't approve of the match, but I've made up my mind to bear it, and shall not say a word against it,' said Jo, solemnly. `You can't know how hard it is for me to give up Meg,' she continued, with a little quiver in her voice.

`You don't give her up. You only go halves,' said Laurie, consolingly.

`It never can be the same again. I've lost my dearest friend,' sighed Jo.

`You've got me, anyhow. I'm not good for much, I know; but I'll stand by you, Jo, all the days of my life; upon my word I will!' and Laurie meant what he said.

`I know you will, and I'm ever so much obliged; you are always a great comfort to me, Teddy,' returned Jo, gratefully shaking hands.