"The twentieth of May was the day appointed," was the reluctant reply.
"And it is now?"
"The fifth."
"More than a fortnight to wait! And delays are dangerous. Mother, I have seen my wedding-dress in the east room. Is everything prepared?"
"Everything, Romaine."
"Then why delay, and so court danger? Let my marriage take place at once, the sooner the better."
"Romaine!"
"Loyd has spoken to-day; he would second my petition were he here."
"Loyd!"
She recoiled out of the girl's embrace as she spoke, and stood staring at her in blank amazement.