"So it would," said Mrs. Embury; "very pretty indeed, but that wouldn't pay for hurrying anyone into marriage before he or she is ready."
"No," said Cousin Ronald, "it is always best to make haste slowly in matters so vitally important."
"Wouldn't you be willing to make haste quickly in this instance, dearest?" queried Chester in a low aside to Lucilla; for as usual they sat near together.
"No," she returned with a saucy smile, "I find courting times too pleasant to be willing to cut them short; even if father would let me; and I know he would not."
"And he won't let the other couple; which is good, since misery loves company."
"Ah, is courting me such hard work?" she asked, knitting her brows in pretended anger and disgust.
"Delightful work, but taking you for my very own would be still better."
"Ah, but you see that Captain Raymond considers me one of the little girls who are still too young to leave their fathers."
"Well, you know I am pledged never to take you away from him."
"Yes, I am too happy in the knowledge of that ever to forget it. But do you know I for one should not fancy being married along with other couples—one ceremony serving for all. I should hardly feel sure the thing had been thoroughly and rightly done."