“God bless you, my precious one; let it be soon, then, for I need you much, and I think you know it.”
They conversed some time longer, and when the breakfast bell sounded, and their friends descended, the day was decided upon.
Ralph led his promised bride directly to his father and mother, and proclaimed the good news; and then breakfast had to be delayed, much to the annoyance of the worthy housekeeper, half an hour, for the joyful congratulations of all that happy company.
After breakfast was over, Enid, with a very mysterious air drew Dora and Vivien away to impart a very important bit of information, as she called it, to them, namely:
That she was to be married in three weeks.
“I know,” she said, as both the girls held up their hands in dismay at the limited time, “that it usually takes six months, at least, to complete the trousseau of a fashionable young lady; but I think I can do better than that; and then, poor Ralph is so sad and lonely, I am going to humor him in this. You both must be my bridesmaids; and Vivien, would you be willing to stand up with Mr. Weimher? I don’t think he would object to you,” said the sparkling girl, mischievously.
Vivien blushed and stammered, and then broke down entirely. At last she saw it was no use to try and hide it longer, and made a clean breast of it, confessing that she was engaged to that same gentleman.
“Ah! you rogue, I mistrusted you long ago,” said Dora. “You little goose, why did you try to keep it so still?”
“Because I wished the consent and congratulations of my uncles, first. Mr. Weimher spoke to them yesterday, and we were to acknowledge the engagement to-day. But you see how you have robbed me of my secret, you heartless girls!”
She laughed gayly, though the tell-tale color still remained upon her fair face.