The First Wedding

           TheJunerosesovertheporchwereawakebrightandearlyonthatmorning,rejoicingwithalltheirheartsinthecloudlesssunshine,likefriendlylittleneighbors,astheywere.Quiteflushedwithexcitementweretheirruddyfaces,astheyswunginthewind,whisperingtooneanotherwhattheyhadseen,forsomepeepedinatthediningroomwindowswherethefeastwasspread,someclimbeduptonodandsmileatthesistersastheydressedthebride,otherswavedawelcometothosewhocameandwentonvariouserrandsingarden,porch,andhall,andall,fromtherosiestfull-blownflowertothepalestbabybud,offeredtheirtributeofbeautyandfragrancetothegentlemistresswhohadlovedandtendedthemsolong.

           Meglookedverylikearoseherself,forallthatwasbestandsweetestinheartandsoulseemedtobloomintoherfacethatday,makingitfairandtender,withacharmmorebeautifulthanbeauty.Neithersilk,lace,nororangeflowerswouldshehave."Idon’twantafashionablewedding,butonlythoseaboutmewhomIlove,andtothemIwishtolookandbemyfamiliarself."

           Soshemadeherweddinggownherself,sewingintoitthetenderhopesandinnocentromancesofagirlishheart.Hersistersbraidedupherprettyhair,andtheonlyornamentssheworeweretheliliesofthevalley,which‘herJohn’likedbestofalltheflowersthatgrew.