Lady Studleigh to be married to-morrow!—and such a marriage—no ceremony, no gayeties, nothing at all!
Lady Linleigh had, however, considerably changed the state of affairs, by saying that the arrangements for the wedding had been hurried so as to permit of Lady Doris going abroad in August, and, before going, she intended making a handsome present to each member of the household. Their opinion was, in consequence, considerably changed.
When the earl and his household met at dinner there were much laughter and amusement—much to tell; the rector's amazement, the astonishment of every one who heard the news. The earl was in high spirits, laughing and jesting all the more that he saw his wife's gentle face growing sad and sorrowful.
"You will be gone this time to-morrow," she said. "I shall fancy I hear your voice and see your face all day, and for many long days."
"Yes," said Doris, softly, "I shall be gone this time to-morrow."
"But you will not be so very far away," said Mattie.
"No further than London," said Earle. "I like crossing the Channel; do you, Doris?"
"No, I am not a good sailor," she replied.
"Ladies seldom are," said the earl. "Estelle, I have resolved Doris' last evening with us shall be the happiest she has spent at Linleigh. We will not have one sad word."