"Faithful and true:
We lead ye forth,
Where love triumphant
Shall lighten the way."
"Bright star of love,
Flower of the earth,
Shine on ye both
On Love's perfect day."
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. That's better. Children, remember that this is to be a very quiet wedding. You're to be here at noon to-morrow. You're not to speak as you enter the room and take your places near the piano. Miss Staats will come down from her room,—at least I suppose she will—and will stand … [Thinks.] I don't know where—but you're to stop when I look at you. Watch me as though I were about to be married. [She takes her place at the foot of the stairs and the children repeat the song until she has marched across the room and stationed herself in some appropriate corner. As FREDERIK appears from the hall, where he leaves his raincoat and umbrella, MRS. BATHOLOMMEY motions the children to silence.] That will do, dears, thank you. Hurry home between showers. [The children go as she explains to FREDERIK.] My Sunday-school scholars…. I thought your dear uncle would like a song at the wedding. I know how bright and cheery he would have been—poor man. Dear, noble, charitable soul!
FREDERIK. [In a low voice.] Where's Catherine?
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Taking up her fancy work, seating herself.] Upstairs.
FREDERIK. With that sick child? Tc!
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. Catherine finds it a pleasure to sit beside the little fellow. William is very much better.
FREDERIK. [Taking a telegram from his pocket-book.] Well, we shall soon be off to Europe. I've just had a telegram to say a cabin has been reserved for me on the Imperator. To-morrow, thank God, we shall take the afternoon train to New York.
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. I must confess that I'm very glad. Of course, I'm happy to stay and chaperone Catherine; but poor Mr. Batholommey has been alone at the parsonage for ten days … ever since your dear uncle … [Pauses, unwinding yarn, then unburdening her mind.] I didn't think at first that Catherine could persuade herself to marry you.
FREDERIK. [Sharply.] I don't understand you, Mrs. Batholommey.