Toney felt her throat tighten again. Lewis had thought of the nicest thing possible--if only he had been there himself! Maud was looking so happy, but then she, of course, knew he was happy, and knew he could not change.
"I am very sorry that my nephew is not here in person, but he thought of everybody before his departure, and he begged me to say that as all the wedding arrangements were due to Miss Whitburn, he had asked all his tenants to remember her when they enjoyed their dinner."
Toney actually blushed, and Sir Evas, who was sitting beside her, nudged her.
"Come, Toney, say something. Don't say you're shy! Nobody would believe that!"
"It's all a mistake. I'm just doing nothing but please myself awfully when I plan a romance, so there is no credit at all but---- Gracious stars! I can't spout any more."
There was a burst of laughter and the wedding ended in merriment. Toney's one comfort was, "He did think of me anyhow." As they prepared to get ready for going away, she went up to Maud, his Maud.
"Maud, you do look sweet! I want to kiss you. It will do me good."
It was so unlike Toney that Maud laughed.
"I want to hug you, dear Toney, it will do me good! I am so happy."
"Toney, Frank says he'll always come when you want him--for a private concert or anything, and so will I."
"How charming of you both, but I don't think there is another romance for me to undertake except Maud's."
"Yes, of course. Well, now we're going to see you off in grand style."
Sir Evas and Toney travelled up to London directly after the wedding pair had left in a private carriage ordered by Toney. In the train the heiress was very quiet. Sir Evas put it down to weariness, and no wonder after all she had accomplished this morning; so the "Good Comrade" respected her silence and read his paper. He was very understanding as Toney always expressed it. At Waterloo, Sir Evas called a hansom for Toney.
"Toney, you'll only go to Mr. Staines. Eh? Why not come on to Charing Cross Hotel later, and have tea or something?"
Toney turned away to find her umbrella. The temptation was very great.
"I shan't have much time, uncle, and I'll get back by the first train possible; Aunt Dove will feel dull and will want to hear all about the wedding. She doesn't quite approve of it, so she had a headache; but she is dying to hear particulars I know!"