Miss Selina went into ecstasies at each separate flower and flounce, and putting the veil over her head, she flew to the glass to look at herself. “What a beauty it is!” she exclaimed. “Dear, how I should like to be married! one looks so interesting in a lace gown and veil. Lady Fitzhenry, were you very much frightened at the ceremony? did you cry? For my part, I don’t think I should be able to keep my countenance for laughing.”
“At what?” demanded Lady Saville.
“Oh! I don’t know at what, in particular; but I think it would be so odd for me to be married.”
“Why should it be more odd to you than any one else?” rejoined Lady Saville.
“Oh! I can’t tell, only because I think it would be so droll—but I should like it of all things—and then the new chaise-and-four, and the favours, and driving off in such a bustle, and all the people in the street staring at one; and one’s wedding-ring, and one’s new name; it would all be so charming. If I was you, Lady Fitzhenry, I think I should have rung the bell the minute I was married, to have had the pleasure of hearing the servant say, ‘Yes, my Lady.’ Oh! I have another great favour to ask,” continued Miss Selina, who had by this time satisfied her curiosity about the gown and veil; “do let me see your picture of Lord Fitzhenry.”
Emmeline assured her she had none to show her.
“No? Dear, how odd! I thought when people were married, they had always their picture painted in miniature as a thing of course, and I had even settled beforehand how ours should be done—I all in clouds and thin drapery by Mrs. Mee, you know, and he in armour.”
“And who is the he whose costume you have already fixed upon?” enquired Lady Saville.
“Oh! I don’t know; whoever I may chance to marry. But, Lady Fitzhenry, how did it happen that you had no miniatures done? for yours was a regular marriage, was it not? Every body delighted, and jewels and plate, and all that sort of thing; and then Lord Fitzhenry is so handsome. Lady Saville, don’t you think Lord Fitzhenry is the most beautiful man you ever saw, and the most agreeable?”
“Why I don’t know how far I may venture to answer that question. What would Sir George say?” replied Lady Saville, laughing.