“To begin with,” continued Amber, “Violet and I used to know a young divinity student in Alexandria, who now has a church in Washington. She would like this young minister, Wesley Christian, to perform the ceremony, if agreeable to you.”
“Violet’s wishes are always mine,” he replied, with the gallantry of a true lover.
“Well, that is settled,” said Amber. “Now we will go on to the next point, the elopement.”
“Yes.”
“It must take place to-morrow evening, for the day afterward is the one set for the marriage of Violet to the millionaire.”
“One word, Amber. This young man, this rich suitor for Violet’s hand, does he know that she is averse to his suit? Is he willing to accept an unwilling bride?”
“Grandpapa says that he knows all, and is willing to take Violet on any terms, feeling confident that he can win her heart after marriage.”
“He is a dastard!” cried Cecil, with kindling anger.
“Granted,” replied Amber, with a peculiar smile, and then she added: “But he is madly in love with her, and, being backed by her grandfather, is naturally eager to win the prize. So our only defense against him is to steal Violet away.”
“But how to do so under that old man’s watchful eyes?” he groaned.