Alick and Dick stood outside.
“My adored Anna, this is the happiest moment of my existence!” gallantly whispered Alick, as he took the half-offered hand of Drusilla, pressed it fervently to his lips, and drew it within his arm.
She bowed in silence. It seemed all that was expected of a bride under the circumstances.
“Miss Seymour, I believe? Yes? Well, I am very glad to meet you again, Miss Annie, especially on this auspicious occasion,” said Dick, bending low over the hand of Anna, and then drawing it within his own and leading her after the bride and bridegroom who were walking before.
“Dick,” whispered Anna, “are we both well disguised?”
“Excellently,” returned Mr. Dick.
“Did you partially darken the room by putting out two thirds of the lights?”
“I nearly quite darkened it by putting out three quarters of them. I had a good opportunity of doing it, being alone in the drawing-room while Alick and the parson were closeted with the governor. He—the governor I mean—swore a few at the servants when he came down by himself to see that all was right. But the servants all declared ignorance of the cause of the lights going out, and as it was too late to remedy the evil he did not attempt it.”
“Thanks, Dick. And now you understand my purpose; have you confidence in me?”
“In your sincerity, yes: but in your success, no. I tremble for you, Anna, lest when all is done you should find yourself fast married to Alick. I do, indeed, Anna!”