Those who prefer the good old fashion may believe that the hero and heroine fell in love , were married , and lived happily ever afterward . But those who can conceive of a world outside of a wedding-ring may believe that the friends remained faithful friends all their lives , while Paul won fame and fortune , and Psyche grew beautiful with the beauty of a serene and sunny nature , happy in duties which became pleasures , rich in the art which made life lovely to herself and others , and brought rewards in time . A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS `` A handful of good life is worth a bushel of learning . '' `` Dear Emily , -- I have a brilliant idea , and at once hasten to share it with you . Three weeks ago I came up here to the wilds of Vermont to visit my old aunt , also to get a little quiet and distance in which to survey certain new prospects which have opened before me , and to decide whether I will marry a millionnaire and become a queen of society , or remain ` the charming Miss Vaughan ' and wait till the conquering hero comes . `` Aunt Plumy begs me to stay over Christmas , and I have consented , as I always dread the formal dinner with which my guardian celebrates the day . `` My brilliant idea is this . I 'm going to make it a real old-fashioned frolic , and wo n't you come and help me ? You will enjoy it immensely I am sure , for Aunt is a character . Cousin Saul worth seeing , and Ruth a far prettier girl than any of the city rose-buds coming out this season . Bring Leonard Randal along with you to take notes for his new books ; then it will be fresher and truer than the last , clever as it was . `` The air is delicious up here , society amusing , this old farmhouse full of treasures , and your bosom friend pining to embrace you . Just telegraph yes or no , and we will expect you on Tuesday . `` Ever yours , `` SOPHIE VAUGHAN . '' `` They will both come , for they are as tired of city life and as fond of change as I am , '' said the writer of the above , as she folded her letter and went to get it posted without delay . Aunt Plumy was in the great kitchen making pies ; a jolly old soul , with a face as ruddy as a winter apple , a cheery voice , and the kindest heart that ever beat under a gingham gown . Pretty Ruth was chopping the mince , and singing so gaily as she worked that the four-and-twenty immortal blackbirds could not have put more music into a pie than she did . Saul was piling wood into the big oven , and Sophie paused a moment on the threshold to look at him , for she always enjoyed the sight of this stalwart cousin , whom she likened to a Norse viking , with his fair hair and beard , keen blue eyes , and six feet of manly height , with shoulders that looked broad and strong enough to bear any burden . His back was toward her , but he saw her first , and turned his flushed face to meet her , with the sudden lighting up it always showed when she approached . `` I 've done it , Aunt ; and now I want Saul to post the letter , so we can get a speedy answer . ''
`` Just as soon as I can hitch up , cousin ; '' and XXXXX pitched in his last log , looking ready to put a girdle round the earth in less than forty minutes .
Emily Plumy Randal Ruth Saul Sophie VAUGHAN millionnaire rose-buds viking