“Wait,” said Ben severely.
The groom and bride were standing before the main door of the church, with the best man and bridesmaid next them on their proper sides.
“Move back, you two men to one side, and you two women to the other to give place to the procession. Now, boys, shoot,” commanded Ben.
As the bridal party obeyed Moore’s curt injunctions, there issued forth from the church, Bobby, dressed in every detail like Compton; on his arm, Peggy, arrayed like Mrs. Compton. Behind them, came Francis, another Heneman, his arm supporting Pearl, an improved replica of the fair Bernadette Vivian.
“By George,” cried Compton, never for a moment thinking of the cameras now in operation. “This explains the whole thing.—The little monkeys!”
The young mischief-makers, well out of the church, placed themselves in front of the real bridal group, in front of their respective replicas. Four innocent faces then broke into smiles, while their owners made Pearl’s famous curtsy to an imaginary audience.
Upon this, Bobby turned and presenting a rose to Compton, said:
“ ‘Imitation.’ ”
“Is,” announced Peggy, presenting the flower to Barbara.
“The Sincerest,” added Francis, with a rose for Heneman.