“All well. And those of you?”
“Are well. You will see them to-day. My sisters are very eager to meet you, Mercedes.”
“I am pleasing meet them.”
“And how is the little asinello, Neddy?” Mary Lee asked.
“Very fine, very good, very well. Oh, I have much to say you, to inquire also.”
The saying and questioning was carried on at a chattering rate from this time out. Mercedes was no sooner established in the room next that occupied by Nan and Mary Lee than she must see her bridesmaid frock; next, her cousin’s pretty wedding clothes. Mr. Pinckney never did anything by halves and once he had accepted the fact of his granddaughter’s marriage there was nothing too much for him to do for her, and he had himself carried her off on various shopping expeditions when he would order gowns, wraps, hats to his taste and without listening to her protests. Moreover he had taken the greatest interest in having a suite of rooms decorated and refurnished for her, making them truly beautiful with fine rugs, choice pictures, artistic hangings and upholstery.
“We call it the bride’s bower,” Mary Lee told Mercedes as they led her to the apartments. “We think they are the very prettiest rooms in the house.”
Mercedes had never seen such elegance, though the charm of the old and picturesque made her own home delightful. Still, there only simple furnishings were in order and it seemed to her young eyes a bare place in contrast to all this luxury, but she said nothing about this, being a proud young person who voiced a judicious, rather than extravagant, admiration.
Mr. Pinckney would fain have whirled them all off to a play or the opera that first evening, but Miss Dolores reminded him that Mercedes was probably tired and that the excitement of arriving in a new country was in itself exhausting, so he gave up graciously and contented himself with ordering large boxes of candy for each girl, with flowers at their places at dinner.
The remainder of the Corner family arrived in time for luncheon the next day and then there was a great bustle and much chatter with five girls in the house. Wedding presents were arriving every day, and to Mary Lee was given the extreme privilege of opening them, announcing the giver and making a proper list. In this she had an occupation dear to her heart.