About a week after they were married, Toney and Tom, with their brides, went to Bella Vista, and witnessed the union of Harry Vincent and Imogen Hazlewood, and of Clarence Hastings and Claribel Carrington. Upon his return to Mapleton, Toney received a letter from the Professor, informing him of his marriage with Dora. Dora's aunt having died, about six months before their arrival in Virginia, she had no near relative; and her husband had determined to purchase an estate near Mapleton, where they would, in future, reside. Toney was authorized to enter into negotiations for the purchase of the property.

While Toney and Tom were standing near the post-office, conversing about the contents of the Professor's letter, Seddon suddenly exclaimed,—

"Look!—look yonder!"

On the opposite side of the street they beheld what appeared to be a procession of giants and dwarfs. In front walked Cleopatra with little Love on her arm. Next followed Theodosia with Dove, who looked like a pigmy by her side. After them came Sophonisba with Bliss; and in the rear was Hercules with a very pretty but unusually diminutive woman. The giant could not stoop to give her his arm, but led her by the hand. The procession passed on, and entered the house of Gideon Foot.

"Who in the world was that little woman?" asked Tom.

"His wife," said Toney.

"Is Hercules married?"

"He was married about a week ago to his little cousin Polly Sampson. He bought a farm adjoining that of Moses, whose father is dead. Hercules lives out there with his little wife, and has, I suppose, brought her into town on a visit to his relations."

"And what has become of Moses?" asked Tom.

"Moses is also married."

"He is?" exclaimed Tom, in astonishment.

"Yes; he is married notwithstanding his dread of the female sex."

"How did it ever happen?"

"By the death of his father, Moses became a landed proprietor, and is the owner of a fine farm in a high state of cultivation. Several enterprising young maidens endeavored to make an impression on his heart; but he could not be induced to go into their society until, on a certain occasion, there was a rural festival in the neighborhood, called an apple-butter boiling."

"Did Moses go to that?"

"He would not have gone had not some waggish young farmers first put him in an abnormal condition, by the consumption of a considerable quantity of hard cider. The cider imparted a wonderful degree of courage, and Moses went to the festival, where he soon found himself surrounded by rustic beauties. Moses drank more cider and became more courageous. Finally, as he sat in a corner with a pretty maiden, he popped the question."

"He did?"

"The young maiden said 'Yes' with a sweet smile, and looked so pretty that Moses kissed her."

"Great thunder!" cried Tom.

"When Moses got sober he was greatly alarmed; but it was too late to recede. More than twenty people had heard his promise of marriage. The young woman's father threatened to have a suit brought for breach of promise; and her big brother said that he would cudgel the swain if he proved false to his engagement. So Moses, dreadfully frightened, was led like a lamb to the altar, and now has a very pretty wife, and looks contented and happy."

Toney purchased the property for his friend, and in a few weeks the Professor and Dora arrived with the intention of making it their permanent home. Tom became the owner of an adjoining estate. The three friends, with their wives, frequently assembled in the parlor of the Widow Wild, with whom Toney and Rosabel continued to reside after their marriage. Not long subsequent to the arrival of the Professor and Dora, Clarence and Harry, with Claribel and Imogen, came to Mapleton on a visit. During the conversation of the evening, Tom asked Toney if he still adhered to the opinion which he once so emphatically expressed as they sat on the veranda of the hotel in Bella Vista.

"What was that?" asked Toney.

"That the right man is never married to the right woman."

"No; I do not," said Toney, with emphasis. And he looked at Rosabel.

"There must be a recantation of such opinions when experience has demonstrated their fallacy," said the Professor, with a look of tender affection at Dora. Each husband looked at his wife, and each wife returned the glance; and it was evident that the ladies and gentlemen present were unanimously of opinion that the right men had been married to the right women.

"And what has become of the Mystic Order of Seven Sweethearts?" asked Tom.

"The organization has been destroyed by a power which man has never been able to resist," said Toney.

"What is that?" asked Rosabel.

"Love," said her husband.

"Amor vincit omnia," said the Professor, as he arose from his seat; and, bidding his friends good-night, conducted Dora to their carriage. As they rode homeward, Dora inquired the meaning of those Latin words, and they were translated by her husband; and she now learned that even the stern old Romans recognized and acknowledged the

Omnipotence of Love.

THE END.

POPULAR WORKS

PUBLISHED BY

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.,

PHILADELPHIA.

WILL BE SENT BY MAIL, POST-PAID, ON RECEIPT OF PRICE.

Forgiven at Last. A Novel. By Jeannette R. Hadermann. 12mo. Fine cloth. $1.75.

"A well-told romance. It is of that order of tales originating with Miss Charlotte BrontÉ."—N. Y. Even. Post.

"The style is animated, and the characters are not deficient in individuality."—Phila. Age.

The Old Countess. A Romance. From the German of Edmund Hofer, by the translator of "Over Yonder," "Magdalena," etc. 12mo. Fine cloth. $1.

"A charming story of life in an old German castle, told in the pleasant German manner that attracts attention and keeps it throughout."—The Phila. Day.

"The story is not long, is sufficiently involved to compel wonder and suspense, and ends very happily."—The North American.

"An interesting story."—The Inquirer.

Bound Down; or, Life and Its Possibilities. A Novel. By Anna M. Fitch. 12mo. Fine cloth. $1.50.

"It is a remarkable book."—N. Y. Even. Mail.

"An interesting domestic story, which will be perused with pleasure from beginning to end."—Baltimore Even. Bulletin.

"The author of this book has genius; it is written cleverly, with occasional glimpses into deep truths.... Dr. Marston and Mildred are splendid characters."—Phila. Presbyterian.

Henry Courtland; or, What A Farmer can Do. A Novel. By A. J. Cline. 12mo. Fine cloth. $1.75.

"This volume belongs to a class of prose fiction unfortunately as rare as it is valuable.... The whole story hangs well together."—Phila. Press.

Rougegorge. By Harriet Prescott Spofford. With other Short Stories by Alice Cary, Lucy H. Hooper, Jane G. Austin, A. L. Wister, L. C. Davis, Frank Lee Benedict, etc. 8vo. With Frontispiece. Paper cover. 50 cents.

"This is a rare collection."—Chicago Even. Journal.

"Admirable series of attractive Tales."—Charleston Courier.

"The contents are rich, varied and attractive."—Pittsburg Gazette.

The Great Empress. An Historical Portrait. By Professor Schele de Vere, of the University of Virginia. 12mo. Extra cloth. $1.75.

"This portrait of Agrippina is drawn with great distinctness, and the book is almost dramatic in its interest."—N. Y. Observer.

True Love. By Lady di Beauclerk, author of "A Summer and Winter in Norway," etc. 12mo. Fine cloth. $1.25.

"Is a pleasing little story well told."—N. Y. Independent.

"This pleasantly told love story presents pictures of English society that will repay the reader."—Pittsburg Gazette.

"Many of the scenes of her novel are drawn with truth and vigor.... The interest is sustained throughout the story."—Hearth and Home.

Carlino. By the author of "Doctor Antonio," "Lorenzo Benoni," etc. 8vo. Illustrated. Paper cover. 35 cents.

"It is beautifully written, and is one of the best delineations of character that has been written lately."—Phila. Day.

"It is a capital little story.... A simple and wholesome story charmingly told."—Brooklyn Eagle.

"Strange and deeply interesting."—N. Y. Hearth and Home.

Walter Ogilby. A Novel. By Mrs. J. H. Kinzie, author of "Wau-bun", etc. Two volumes in one vol. 12mo. 619 pages. Toned paper. Extra cloth. $2.

"One of the best American novels we have had the pleasure of reading for some time. The descriptions of scenery are spirited sketches, bringing places before the reader, and there is nothing strained, sensational or improbable in the cleverly-constructed incidents. Even the graduating week at West Point, though a hackneyed subject, is presented with the charm of freshness as well as reality. This is a thoroughly good novel."—Philada. Press.

Askaros Kassis, the Copt. A Romance of Modern Egypt. By Edwin de Leon, late U. S. Consul-General for Egypt. 12mo. Toned paper. Extra cloth. $1.75.

"This book, while possessing all the characteristics of a Romance, is yet a vivid reproduction of Eastern life and manners."—N. Y. Times.

"He has written us this thrilling tale, based on miscellaneous facts, which he calls 'A Romance of Modern Egypt,' and in which he vividly depicts the life of rulers and people."—Chicago Advance.

Beyond the Breakers. A Story of the Present Day. By the Hon. Robert Dale Owen. 8vo. Illustrated. Fine cloth. $2.

"All readers of taste, culture and thought will feel attracted and impressed by it.... We have, for ourselves, read it with deep interest and with genuine pleasure, and can say for it that which we could say of few novels of to-day—that we hope some time to read it over again."—N. Y. Independent.

Compensation; or, Always a Future. A Novel. By Anne M. H. Brewster. Second edition. 12mo. Fine cloth. $1.75.

"It is an interesting work, and particularly so to those who are musically inclined, as much useful information may be gained from it."—Boston Post.

"We recommend this book to all who are not longing for agony; for such patrons it is too gentle and too delicate."—Phila. North American.

"The writer exhibits a happy talent for description, and evinces a rare taste and genius for music."—Boston Recorder.

The American Beaver and his Works. By Lewis H. Morgan, author of "The League of the Iroquois." Handsomely illustrated with twenty-three full-page Lithographs and numerous Wood-Cuts. One vol. 8vo. Tinted paper. Cloth extra, $5.

"The book may be pronounced an expansive and standard work on the American beaver, and a valuable contribution to science."—N.Y. Herald.

"The book is an octavo of three hundred and thirty pages, on very thick paper, handsomely bound and abundantly illustrated with maps and diagrams. It is a complete scientific, practical, historical and descriptive treatise on the subject of which it treats, and will form a standard for those who are seeking knowledge in this department of animal life.... By the publication of this book, Messrs. J. B. Lippincott & Co., of Philadelphia, have really done a service to science which we trust will be well rewarded."—Boston Even. Traveler.

The Autobiography of Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

The first and only complete edition of Franklin's Memoirs. Printed from the original MS. With Notes and an Introduction. Edited by the Hon. John Bigelow, late Minister of the United States to France. With Portrait from a line Engraving on Steel. Large 12mo. Toned paper. Fine cloth, beveled boards, $2.50.

"The discovery of the original autograph of Benjamin Franklyn's characteristic narrative of his own life was one of the fortunate events of Mr. Bigelow's diplomatic career. It has given him the opportunity of producing a volume of rare bibliographical interest, and performing a valuable service to the cause of letters. He has engaged in his task with the enthusiasm of an American scholar, and completed it in a manner highly creditable to his judgment and industry."—The New York Tribune.

"Every one who has at heart the honor of the nation, the interest of American literature and the fame of Franklin will thank the author for so requisite a national service, and applaud the manner and method of its fulfillment."—Boston Even. Transcript.

The Dervishes. History of the Dervishes; or, Oriental Spiritualism. By John P. Brown, Interpreter of the American Legation at Constantinople. With twenty-four Illustrations. One vol. crown 8vo. Tinted paper. Cloth, $3.50.

"In this volume are the fruits of long years of study and investigation, with a great deal of personal observation. It treats, in an exhaustive manner, of the belief and principles of the Dervishes.... On the whole, this is a thoroughly original work, which cannot fail to become a book of reference."—The Philada. Press.

New America. By Wm. Hepworth Dixon. Fourth edition. Crown 8vo. With Illustrations. Tinted paper. Extra cloth, $2.75.

"In this graphic volume Mr. Dixon sketches American men and women sharply, vigorously and truthfully, under every aspect."—Dublin University Magazine.

The Old Mam'selle's Secret. After the German of E. Marlitt, author of "Gold Elsie," "Countess Gisela," &c. By Mrs. A. L. Wister. Sixth edition. 12mo. Cloth, $1.75.

"A more charming story, and one which, having once commenced, it seemed more difficult to leave, we have not met with for many a day."—The Round Table.

"Is one of the most intense, concentrated, compact novels of the day.... And the work has the minute fidelity of the author of 'The Initials,' the dramatic unity of Reade, and the graphic power of George Elliot."—Columbus (O.) Journal.

"Appears to be one of the most interesting stories that we have had from Europe for many a day."—Boston Traveler.

Gold Elsie. From the German of E. Marlitt, author of the "Old Mam'selle's Secret," "Countess Gisela," &c. By Mrs. A. L. Wister. Fifth edition. 12mo. Cloth, $1,75.

"A charming book. It absorbs your attention from the title-page to the end."—The Home Circle.

"A charming story charmingly told."—Baltimore Gazette.

Countess Gisela. From the German of E. Marlitt, author of "The Old Mam'selle's Secret," "Gold Elsie," "Over Yonder," &c. By Mrs. A. L. Wister. Third Edition. 12mo. Cloth, $1.75.

"There is more dramatic power in this than in any of the stories by the same author that we have read."—N.O. Times.

"It is a story that arouses the interest of the reader from the outset."—Pittsburg Gazette.

"The best work by this author."—Philada. Telegraph.

Over Yonder. From the German of E. Marlitt, author of "Countess Gisela," "Gold Elsie," &c. Third edition. With a full-page Illustration. 8vo. Paper cover, 30cts.

"'Over Yonder' is a charming novelette. The admirers of 'Old Mam'selle's Secret' will give it a glad reception, while those who are ignorant of the merits of this author will find in it a pleasant introduction to the works of a gifted writer."—Daily Sentinel.

Three Thousand Miles through the Rocky Mountains. By A. K. McClure. Illustrated. 12mo. Tinted paper Extra Cloth, $2.

"Those wishing to post themselves on the subject of that magnificent and extraordinary Rocky Mountain dominion should read the Colonel's book."—New York Times.

"The work makes one of the most satisfactory itineraries that has been given to us from this region, and must be read with both pleasure and profit."—Philada. North American.

"We have never seen a book of Western travels which so thoroughly and completely satisfied us as this, nor one written in such agreeable and charming style."—Bradford Reporter.

"The letters contain many incidents of Indian life and adventures of travel which impart novel charms to them."—Chicago Evening Journal.

"The book is full of useful information."—New York Independent.

"Let him who would have some proper conception of the limitless material richness of the Rocky Mountain region, read this book."—Charleston (S.C.) Courier.