“Yes, in a better manner than if the trouble had not happened. Out of it all they have learned to love each other. Louis has a great, shy, morbid, hungry heart, and a most unfortunate temper.”
“And we are as poor as church mice, and angelic;” said Fan in her gayest mood. “After all, the gifts and graces are pretty fairly distributed.”
We went into supper and had other topics of conversation. One of the most important was sending papa away for a little vacation. When Mr. Churchill heard of that he held up both hands, and they were not empty. Papa must stay over one Sunday and he would see about a clergyman. It was very odd to be without a head to our household that length of time. He went to Long Island, to Cape May and Philadelphia, bringing Daisy home with him.
In the meanwhile Fan and I were in the midst of a small excitement. Jennie Ryder was to be married and wanted us both for bridesmaids, “that is,” she said—“I want you, and Richard wants Fan. And I don’t wish you to make a bit of fuss. I am going to be married in church at eight in the morning, in white organdie, because Richard loves white so much. Otherwise I should take my traveling dress. We do not intend to send out any invitations, and you must be simple, so as not to outshine me.”
“I am glad you have instructed us. We might have rushed into some extravagance. May we have our white gowns done up fresh, please?” asked Fan comically.
Jennie laughed. She was very happy, one could see that. A connection had come to stay with Mrs. Ryder while Jennie was away, for Richard had insisted upon Niagara and the Canadas. Afterward they were to move into the great house.
Papa came home on Saturday night, looking brown and bright and rested. On Tuesday morning Jennie was married. Winthrop came to stand with Fan, I think he would not have trusted any one else. He was troubled with an insane belief that every body wanted Fan, “which is werry flattering on his part,” said Fan, “considering that the only other lover I ever had has gone off and married some one else, never breaking his heart a bit!”
“Would you have had him, Fanny?”
“No, little goosie! And he has the best wife that he could have found in the wide world.”
The fact had been noised abroad, and the marriage was quite largely attended. It provoked various comments. I think there were some who did envy Jennie Ryder her good fortune, and many who rejoiced in it. Still there was a feeling that Richard’s mother would not quite approve. He had written to her and Kate, not giving them time to answer by the marriage date.