“My children, go and get ready for breakfast. It is ordered half an hour earlier this morning on account of the wedding. We must be at the church by eleven o’clock,” said Mrs. Force.
The two little girls scuttled away to hurry on their home clothes to go down to the dining room.
Mrs. Force had finished dressing herself, and now spoke to her daughter, who was still in her nightgown, reclining back in the chair.
“Odalite, you need not exert yourself to come down, dear. I will send you something up here. What shall it be?”
“Anything you like, mamma,” languidly replied the girl.
The lady left the chamber and went down to the dining room, where she found all the family, with the exception of the bride-elect, assembled.
The bridegroom-expectant, who was still a member of the household, advanced politely, greeted his prospective mother-in-law and led her to her seat at the head of the table.
“Where is Odalite?” inquired Mr. Force, as he took his seat at the foot.
“I have left her in my apartment. She must not fatigue herself by making two toilets. I shall send her breakfast up,” replied the lady.
“I hope she is quite well this morning?” said Col. Anglesea.