Although Meadow Brook and Pine District were distant from each other only four or five miles, there was between the two neighborhoods but little communication; and this, added to the fact that Aunt Sally Wright was confined to her bed, was undoubtedly the reason why the news of the approaching nuptials did not reach us until the week before the time appointed for them to take place. It was a warm sultry day in July, that Aunt Sally, who was now convalescent, sent us word that she would visit us that afternoon, if it was perfectly convenient; the little girl who brought the message, adding that “Miss Wright said Miss Lee needn’t put herself out an atom, as she wan’t a bit particular what she ett.”
Of course it was convenient, and about one o’clock she came, talkative and full of news as ever. I was suffering from a severe headache, which, during the morning, had kept me confined to the bed; but knowing how much Aunt Sally would have to tell, and feeling curious to hear it all, I went down to the sitting-room, where her first exclamation was, “Now do tell what makes you look so down in the mouth?”
I was about to tell her of my headache, when she prevented me by continuing—“But law! it’s no wonder, seein’ you’ve lost the doctor slick and clean.”
A dim foreshadowing of the truth came over me, but with a strong effort, I controlled my feelings, and in a very indifferent manner, asked her what she meant.
“Now I’ll give up,” said she, “if you hain’t heerd on’t. Why, it’s in everybody’s mouth. They are to be married next Thursday night, at nine o’clock; and the dress is white satin, with a veil that comes most to the floor.”
“Who is to be married?” asked Anna, eagerly, her interest all awakened by the mention of white satin and lace veils.
“Why, Dr. Clayton and Dell Thompson;” returned Aunt Sally. “They was published last Sunday; Andy Slosson see it himself and told me. They are goin’ first out to York State, to see them great Falls, and then they are goin’ to live in Boston, boardin’ at some of them big taverns; and Dell has got six bran new gowns a-purpose to wear to breakfast.”
Here Aunt Sally paused for breath, while Anna asked who was invited, and if it was to be a large wedding.
“I don’t know how large,” said Aunt Sally, “but it’s pretty likely all the upper crust’ll be there. I hain’t been invited, ’cause they think I’m sick, I s’pose,—but goodness alive! look at Rosa!” she continued, pointing towards me, who, weary and faint, had lain my head upon the window-stool.
“She’s got the sick headache,” said Anna, while Lizzie, with a delicate tact, for which in my heart I blessed her, came up to me, saying, “I don’t believe you are able to sit up; I’d go to bed.”