Just then there was a rap upon the door, and a maid entered saying that Miss Dupont and Miss Moulton were requested to step into the library for a few moments.
The two girls twined their arms about each other’s waists and wonderingly obeyed the summons. In the room designated they found their lovers, who, likewise having been informed of the approaching nuptials of their hostess, now importuned their own fair brides-elect to consent to don the matrimonial bonds upon the same day, and thus make a triple wedding of the affair. Both demurred at first, but finally the ardent gentlemen overcame all obstacles, and, consenting, they immediately vanished to communicate the news to their fair hostess.
Enid was in raptures, declaring that theirs should be a wedding, such as was never heard of before in the annals of Chichester history.
Then ensued three weeks of such bustle and confusion as made worthy Mrs. Judson, the housekeeper, nearly distracted, and the servants were kept flying hither and thither from early morn till dewy eve.
The bridal morn broke calm, clear, and beautiful. The hour appointed for the ceremony arrived, and the three beautiful girls, clad in their white gleaming robes, with no ornaments save nature’s sweetness—pure and fragrant orange blossoms—were ready to confide themselves for life into the keeping of their hearts’ chosen ones.
Three chariots, each drawn by a noble pair of milk-white steeds, bore them from the Chichester mansion to the distant cathedral, where the bishop waited to speak the irrevocable words, and where anxious friends were waiting to witness the brilliant wedding.
Ralph and Enid led the way up the broad aisle to the foot of the sacred altar, and the words were spoken which bound them to each other for life.
Then Fredrich and Vivien pledged their vows, and likewise received the benediction of the holy man.
Last, but not least, Robert and Dora joined their hands and re-pronounced the vows uttered in childhood, and which had been so faithfully and fondly kept through sorrows and trials, and in defiance of all disappointments and opposition.