The marriage was to take place at home, and the drawing-room was profusely decorated with flowers. A beautiful arch of white flowers was arranged where the bridal couples were to stand, and wreaths and bouquets were variously disposed about the room.
Sydney in the white heat of anger that filled her heart felt sick and faint as the overpowering fragrance pervaded her senses.
Yet she had to stand up and receive the guests and smile and talk as if it were the happiest evening she had ever known.
She had refused to become one of the bridesmaids, so when the bridal party with their long string of lovely attendants entered the room and stood before the bishop, she drew back into an obscure corner that no one might see the jealous pain and hatred in her heart disfiguring her handsome face.
Georgina was married first, taking precedence of Queenie by virtue of her own four years seniority, and her betrothed's superior rank. Then the newly-wedded couple stepped quietly back, and Captain Ernscliffe and his radiantly-beautiful bride took their place; the solemn words were spoken, the ring slipped over her slim finger, and they turned to receive the congratulations of their friends.
One of the servants came bowing and smiling into the group carrying a magnificent bouquet of white flowers.
"For Mrs. Ernscliffe," he said, presenting it, "with the compliments of a friend."
She took it into her white hand with a faint smile.
"It is rarely beautiful," she said, and lifted it to her face and inhaled the strong, sweet odor of the costly flowers.