“Oh!” said Jimmy coldly. He never troubled his head about fashions. It struck him, too, that the Dunlees ought to be able to manage their own wedding, without the help of Mr. Sanford, a man who did not belong in the family. Still, being a boy of good manners, Jimmy refrained from speaking all his thoughts; he merely said, “Oh!”
Christmas dawned at last, birthday, wedding, and all. The house was full of presents; not for the children, though. They had very few this year. And in the evening people began to call. Whether the presents and the people made any part of the wedding Jimmy and Lucy could not fairly make out. Nothing more was heard of a bride.
The children had been dressed quite early, and afterwards kept up-stairs so long that they began to grow tired. By and by somebody gave each of them a very large bouquet and said, “Come.”
They heard music, and, keeping step to it, marched gayly down-stairs. The parlor was full of people, all richly dressed, but none of them so fine as the little groomsman and bridesmaid—oh, by no means!—or half so well pleased with their clothes! Aunt Vi and Mr. Sanford were going into the parlor too.
Nobody spoke; that sweet music was playing. Mamma whispered to Jimmy to take Lucy’s hand; and the two children went up to join Aunt Vi and Mr. Sanford in the bay-window. Lucy stood beside Aunt Vi, and Jimmy-boy beside Mr. Sanford, as had been agreed upon beforehand.
All heads were turned that way. The little groomsman and bridesmaid felt that the proud moment had come when they were to be seen and admired by the whole world. Lucy felt Aunt Vi tremble, and wondered why she should be so frightened. Or was she only cold? Lucy stole a quick glance at her face. Why, how pale it looked! the pretty pink color all gone out of her cheeks! Her dress was soft, cream-colored silk, with only lace on it, not half so sweet as the apple-blossoms on Lucy’s.
“The little groomsman and bridesmaid.”