The day appointed for the marriage had at length arrived, and Lena Van Hoosen was about as miserable a girl as there was to be found in New York city.
With Lord Maltravers she could never be happy. But she thought it her duty to sacrifice herself in deference to the wishes of her mother.
The marriage was arranged to take place in Mrs. Van Hoosen's house, at five o'clock in the afternoon.
Only a few intimate friends of the family and some relatives had been invited.
Alfred Van Hoosen at first refused to attend, but Lena begged him not to keep away, and very reluctantly he consented to be on hand.
At half-past five Lord Maltravers arrived and apologized for the marks on his face by saying that his horse had run away with him and that he had been thrown in Central Park.
Lena paid very little attention to him, as he presented her with some magnificent diamonds which her mother placed around her neck and wrists, but not even a smile illumined her countenance, which was as pale as death.
At length the clergyman arrived, and as the clock softly tinkled the hour of five, the couple took their position, in front of him, and with open book he commenced the ceremony.
Mrs. Van Hoosen was delighted, for her ambitious schemes now seemed on the verge of being realized.
Indeed she was the only person in the room, except the guests, who seemed at all happy.