Eva turned her head on her friend's shoulder. "Johnstone thinks it's best to have it soon."
Pamela tried to look vacant. "Of course it's the best way," she admitted; "a wedding does hang over one so. I nearly turned gray with fright while I was thinking of mine; it took the whole family to screw up my courage, and poor, dear Paul says he was in a perfect funk. Do you remember what a crush it was? I'd never have another like it; that's what I tell Paul when I want to frighten him. I suppose Lottie Prynne is rehearsing to duplicate hers; Paul says she's engaged to my cousin. You remember John Charter, Rachel?"
But Rachel was gone; she had stolen out of the room while Pamela was talking to Eva.
V
Having yielded to Eva's urgent request to stay a little longer, it was not until the following afternoon that Pamela and her husband returned to the city. Their departure broke up the week-end party, some of the others having drifted away during the earlier hours of the day. Of course Rachel had to undergo a second ordeal at parting.
"I'm not going to congratulate you," said Paul Van Citters bluntly. "Belhaven's a fortunate man."
In the carriage Pamela reproached him. "How could you, Paul? You put your foot in it!"
"Hanged if I care!" he retorted hotly. "She's throwing herself away and she looks as if she knew it. What in thunder do you women marry brutes for?"
"I don't know," replied Pamela demurely. "Some ask why I married you, dear."
Mrs. Billop pecked Rachel on both cheeks; her manner was almost as motherly and warming as a teapot cosy. "My dear, I'd love to see you married, but I quite understand quiet weddings are so much better taste; when we're really in love we don't want 'the madding crowd.' Sidney and I have ordered you a little present, a dainty trifle." It came later, a banqueting-lamp four feet high, and it looked like the givers. "I hope you'll love it for our sakes, dear."