The old gentleman hastened thither. He found his daughter ready dressed, and quite alone. Her bridesmaids had gone to make their own toilets.
“Father!” she said, “I will not wear the willow for a recreant lover! I have determined that the festivities shall go on to-night. I will go down and lead off the first dance myself. You, my father, may explain, as you please, that the marriage is broken off, but that the music, dancing, and feasting are not arrested for that reason.”
The old man had determined within himself what to speak but he answered—
“My dear child, are you equal to it?”
“Equal sir? Try me!”
“Very well, my dear. Come! And I will say—what is proper upon the occasion.”
In the meanwhile the splendid company assembled in the brilliantly lighted saloon, awaited with great impatience the entree of the bridal train.
Made conspicuous in that gorgeous assembly by his black gown and bands, sat the clergyman who was to perform the ceremony.
Georgia—darkly, resplendently beautiful as ever, moved gracefully through the crowd—full of gracious courtesy, yet flushed, anxious, feverish—half fearing that the bridegroom would appear at this last moment. This fear was aroused by the presence, and the calm, cheerful, self-possessed looks of Mrs. Clifton, of Hardbargain. At length light steps were heard in the hall. The doors of the saloon where thrown open. And all eyes were turned to see the wedding procession enter. But instead of a bridal train, came old Mr. Clifton, leading in his daughter Carolyn. The surprise, the wonder of the company was at first silent and breathless as it was profound. But soon a low whisper arose, and like a low breeze in the leaves, passed from one to another, until the room was in a general buzz.
Mr. Clifton led his daughter into the centre of the saloon, and with her still hanging on his arm, turned and faced the company, waiting until they should be silent before he would speak. The father and daughter, as they stood there, presented a fine, imposing appearance. Both were arrayed with the gorgeous splendor that prevailed at that day.