"Why should not your marriage take place to-night—here and now?" she asked, looking intently at him.
For an instant he almost believed that the good lady had taken leave of her senses. He stared at her in the most complete bewilderment.
In a slow and emphatic voice she repeated her words.
"My dear madame," he said, "I do not see how that could possibly be. You know it is not to be a quiet affair. Over five hundred invitations have been issued."
"You will be married to-night, and let to-morrow night take care of itself," said Miss Fernly, sternly.
Had Hildegarde sent her aunt to make this arrangement? He could hardly believe his own senses. But surely it must be so.
He remembered the twinkle in her eyes as she had said.
"You are to ride with auntie, she has something to say to you."
"I am so dumfounded, I do not know how to answer you," he declared.
"You will not refuse me?" she asked.