"Yes, of course," admitted Alden.
"I say nothing of the time it will take to get a license and to fetch Mr. Lyle, who must perform the ceremony, because that can be done in a few hours."
"If it were possible, I would like to have Mary Grey summoned by telegraph to attend the wedding," said Emma.
"Ah, yes, certainly she ought to be here; but there is scarcely a chance, the time is so short," said Mrs. Cavendish, as she again resorted to the vial of ammonia.
"Mrs. Grey is in very bad health. She would not come," explained Alden.
"Go, now, my dear children. I am very tired, and I must sleep a while," sighed the old lady.
And Emma and Alden kissed her and left the room.
In the passage outside they met Mrs. Fanning, who seemed to be waiting for them.
She cordially welcomed Mr. Lytton, of whose arrival she had heard from the servants. And then she inquired of Emma how Mrs. Cavendish was getting on.
"She grows weaker in the body and stronger in the spirit with every successive hour, I think," replied Miss Cavendish.