"Now, there is one thing, my dear friends, that my brother Ben and I have set our hearts upon, and in case of any little misunderstanding in the future, we think it is best, perhaps, to mention it at once."
"Just so, just so," says Mr. Ben nodding.
"We wish very much to have the honour of giving away the two brides when the time for the wedding (which will be a double one, I suppose) shall come. We had looked forward, you know, to performing this little ceremony for Doris on the occasion of her becoming Lady Ferrars, but although we were obliged to make the best of it then, we much hope there will be no similar disappointment in store for us _this_ time."
"My dear sirs, I am sure that nothing would please my sisters better," answers Sir Edward for the two girls. "I had intended taking that duty on myself, but you have a far superior claim; and so with your leave we will consider that matter settled. I shall devote myself exclusively to your mother, Doris, for the whole day, so you must look out for someone else."
"O, I shall find someone, never fear," retorts Lady Ferrars, tossing her fair little head at her lord.
"And what is to become of me, pray?" inquires Lady Woodhouse, looking round at every one in turn.
"O, I am going to be your cavalier, aunt," says Dick with a courtly bow. "Just you wait until you see me. I mean to get myself up to the nines, _I_ can tell you, and you will be able to congratulate yourself on having the best-looking fellow in the church as your escort, _not_ excepting the two bridegrooms."
"Dick!" cries every one together, and Lady Woodhouse, giving him a rap with the handle of her sunshade, says:
"Go along with you, do! As if I should consent to having a young jack-a-napes like you for a cavalier."
Here Daisy, who had run after Dick when he went for the cream, and has been absent ever since, reappears amongst them all with some little sketches which she has been doing under Honor's supervision in Hugh's absence, and which she is anxious to show to him.
After they have been duly examined and admired, Sir Edward calls her over to him.
"I fancy your friend Dr. John can finish your story for you now, Daisy," he whispers. "Go and tell him I say so."
Nothing loth, the child goes across to where he is sitting, and demands his instant and undivided attention.