“Since such, then, is your firm decision, I feel more free to inform you that the friend of Mr. Wallace, Mr.——”
“Francis.”
“The same—has also requested permission to pay his addresses to Julia.”
“Ah, indeed!” and now Mrs. Hazleton began to look pleased again.
“He is an old friend of Wallace,” continued Mr. Hazleton—“is of a good family—has great expectations, I am told—and, for my own part, I see no reasonable objection against encouraging his addresses—that is, if Julia herself can be persuaded.”
“I shall take care of that, Mr. Hazleton. Thank Heaven! the Ninnybrains are no such obstinate people as some other people I could name. None of my family ever married against the wishes of their friends, as some other people’s friends have done! Julia will receive Mr. Francis—I shall command her to do so.”
And as Julia had made up her mind to be henceforth very dutiful to ma’ma, she promised, like a good girl, to transfer all her affections from Cousin Frank to Mr. Francis, and most submissively and demurely consented to receive his visits.
The wooing sped rapidly, and the happy day was already appointed for their nuptials, when Julia took an unaccountable freak in her head that she could not be married unless Cousin Frank was present at the ceremony! Mrs. Hazleton ridiculed—Julia insisted—and finally Mrs. Hazleton concluded to do the amiable, and wrote:
“Dear Nephew—
“I hear you have been in town some weeks. Am surprised you have not paid your respects to your aunt and cousin. Julia will be married to-morrow morning at half-past eleven. Shall be happy to see you.