It was so prettily worded that Lieutenant Ralston accepted it at the first reading; and the two journeyed together to the grand festivity. Old people and young attended, in fashions of various kinds, from the Continental to more modern date. The Governor of Virginia honored Betty's nuptials, and several of the Washington grandees. The Gazette had a brilliant account of it, and it was the boast of the county for many a year afterward.
The next morning the newly wedded pair started in a coach drawn by six white horses, ornamented with wedding favors. And there was, as usual, much merry-making afterwards, as there was still one daughter to lead in the gayety.
"And when are you coming up to Georgetown?" Carrington asked of his sweetheart.
"Oh, there is another wedding on the carpet! And then a birthday ball at the Lees'. Then Patty is to have a birthday celebration. She thinks thus far all the festivities have been for me, and this time the invitations are to go out in her name."
"And then Christmas, I suppose," in a rather disappointed tone. "To get my share of you I shall have to marry you, Jaqueline. Come, think about that. When is it to be?"
"In a year. That will give me time to fulfill my engagements and get ready."
"A year!" in dismay.
"You ought not grudge me that when you think of the years and years we shall have to live together."
"Shall have to!" he re-echoed.
"That I believe is customary when one is married," she said with teasing archness. "Unless one happens to have the Emperor of the French for a brother."