And at the house the girls were trying on the new white frocks and white bonnets in which they were to go to the wedding. They were all bridemaids, but Nelly had the post of honor.
CHAPTER XLIX. "UPROUSE YE THEN, MY MERRY, MERRY MEN."
At nine in the morning Harry presented himself at the house, no longer his own, for the signing of certain papers. The place was closed for a holiday, but the girls were already assembling in the show-room, getting their dresses laid out, trying on their gloves, and chattering like birds up in the branches on a fine, spring morning. He found Angela sitting with an elderly gentleman—none other than the senior partner of the firm of her solicitors. He had a quantity of documents on the table before him, and as Harry opened the door he heard these remarkable words:
"So the young man does not know—even at the eleventh hour?"
What it was he would learn, Harry cared not to inquire. He had been told that there was a secret of some sort which he would learn in the course of the day.
"These papers, Harry," said his bride, "are certain documents which you have to sign, connected with that little fortune of which I told you."
"I hope," said Harry, "that the fortune, whatever it is, has all been settled upon yourself absolutely."
"You will find, young gentleman," said the solicitor, gravely, "that ample justice—generous justice—has been done you. Very well, I will say no more."