“Of course she does, for she has heard nothing else talked of for a month past,” said Alexander, in a tone of vexation.
“Then let her be Anna’s sixth bridesmaid.”
“No, mother, if you please. It would take her from her studies.”
“But, Alexander, you forget. She must be at the wedding any way, for it would never do to slight the child by omitting to take her to it.”
“I do not see that. Let her know that it is by my will that she is to be left at school, and she will easily submit to the disappointment.”
“Well, Alick, I think that would be cruel.”
“But I know it to be necessary for her own sake, mother.”
The next morning the father, mother and son, attended by their men and maid servants, set out in their travelling carriage for Old Lyon Hall.
Travelling by easy stages, and stopping at all the most comfortable inns on the road, to eat or sleep, they at length arrived safely on the evening of the third day at the old mansion.
The house was full of company, and all alight from attic to basement. So many young friends of the bride were staying with her for the wedding.