The day of the wedding, Patty, assisted by Elise and Mona, was superintending the decorations. Christine had insisted that these should be simple, and as Mr. Hepworth, too, was opposed to the conventional work of a florist, the girls had directed it all themselves.
“It does look perfectly sweet,” said Patty, as she surveyed the drawing-room. “Personally, I should prefer all those dinky white telegraph poles stretched with ribbon and bunched up with flowers to make an aisle for the happy couple to walk through. But as it isn’t my wedding, I suppose we must let the bride have her own way.”
“I’m tired of those tied up poles,” said Elise, decidedly. “I think this is a lot prettier, and all this Southern jasmine is beautiful, and just like Christine.”
“She is the sweetest thing!” said Patty. “Every new present that comes in, she sits and looks at it helplessly, as if it were the very last straw!”
“Well, of course, most of the presents are from Mr. Hepworth’s friends,” said Mona, “and they are stunning! I don’t wonder Christine is overcome.”
“She has lots of friends of her own, too,” said Patty. “All the girls gave her beautiful things, and you two quite outdid yourselves. That lamp of yours, Mona, is a perfect dream; and, Elise, I never saw such gems as your silver candlesticks. Christine’s path through life will be well lighted! Well, everything’s finished, and I think it’s about time we went to dress. The ceremony’s at four, and as I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the first time in my mad career, I don’t want to be late at the party.”
“How beautiful the drawing-room looks,” said Mrs. Allen, coming along just then. “Patty dear, doesn’t this all remind you of the day Nan was married?”
“Yes, Mrs. Allen; only the weddings are quite different. But Christine would keep this as simple as possible, so of course I let her have her own way.”
“Yes, Patty, that’s the privilege of a bride. But some day you can have your own way in the direction of your own wedding, and I rather fancy it will be an elaborate affair. I hope I’ll be here to see.”
“I hope you will, Mrs. Allen,” laughed Patty; “but don’t look for it very soon. My suitors are so bashful, you know; I have to urge them on.”