“Oh, he congratulated me. He reminded me you and I were first engaged at his house.”
“Did he tell you it is to be at Woodbine Villa?”
“What?”
“The wedding.” And Grace blushed to the forehead at having to mention it.
“No, indeed, he did not mention any such thing, or I should have shown him how unadvisable—”
“You mistake me. It is I who wish to be married from my father's house by good old Dr. Fynes. He married my parents, and he christened me, and now he shall marry me.”
“I approve that, of course, since you wish it; but, my own dearest Grace, Woodbine Villa is associated with so many painful memories—let me advise, let me earnestly entreat you, not to select it as the place to be married from. Dr. Fynes can be invited here.”
“I have set my heart on it,” said Grace. “Pray do not thwart me in it.”
“I should be very sorry to thwart you in any thing. But, before you finally decide, pray let me try and convince your better judgment.”
“I HAVE decided; and I have written to Dr. Fynes, and to the few persons I mean to invite. They can't all come here; and I have asked Mr. Raby; and it is my own desire; and it is one of those things the lady and her family always decide. I have no wish to be married at all. I only marry to please my father and you. There, let us say no more about it, please. I will not be married at Woodbine Villa, nor anywhere else. I wish papa and you would show your love by burying me instead.”