Mrs. Blake was rejoiced at the news, but it must be confessed that it would be scarcely prudent to record the observations of Charles, who thirsted for his uncle's blood for fully three days after.
Jane still protested that Emma was a fool to have refused a title.
Augusta enquired if she might not be married on the same day?
Lady Edward Sothern's comment was perhaps characteristic—
"There must be something singularly wanting in Arthur Howard to marry a woman of the lower orders."
In a remote room of the Castle Lady Osborne sat, with her head bowed on her hands. No one could have condemned her more severely than she condemned herself. Having missed all hope of romance in her youth, she had endeavoured to secure some measure of it when it was no longer reasonable to expect it; and now she felt that her punishment was almost greater than she well might bear—standing alone, as the slow years went by.
* * * * * *
Emma's wedding morning shone fair, and people flocked from far and near to see her married.
Lady Osborne lent her her own veil, placing it herself on her head.