I doubt if there ever was a wedding reception that did not prove a somewhat dull affair, and though this was as nearly an exception as possible, Mellen seized the first opportunity to whisper Elizabeth that it was time to prepare for their departure.
"And so I shan't see you for a whole week," said Tom Fuller, ruefully, as he accompanied Elsie out of the room, when she followed Elizabeth up stairs to change her dress. "What shall I do with myself all that time?"
"A whole week!" repeated she, laughing merrily; "it's quite dreadful to contemplate--I only hope you won't die, and put poor Bessie into mourning before the honeymoon is over."
"Oh, you are laughing at me," said Tom, heaving a sigh that was a perfect blast of grief.
"How can you fancy that?" cried Elsie; "I thought I was showing great sympathy."
"You always do laugh at me," urged Tom, "and it's downright cruel! I know I am awkward, and always do the wrong thing at the wrong moment, but you needn't be so hard on a fellow."
"There, there!" said Elsie, patting his arm as she might have smoothed a great Newfoundland dog; "don't quarrel with me now! Next week you are coming down to Piney Cove, and you shall see how nicely I will entertain you."
"Shall you be glad to see me--really glad?" pleaded Tom, red to the very temples.
"Oh, of course," cried Elsie, laughing; "you are a sort of cousin now--it will be my duty, you know."
Elsie danced away, leaving him to pull his white glove in a perplexed sort of way, by no means certain that he was satisfied with being considered a relation, and treated in this cavalier manner.
Mrs. Harrington had run up stairs for an instant, and stopped Mellen and his bride on the landing for a few last words.
"I hope you are satisfied, Grantley," she said; "I have done my best; I do hope you are pleased."
"My dear friend, everything has been perfect," he answered.
"I can't thank you for all your kindness to me," Elizabeth said, holding out her hand; "but believe me, I feel it deeply."
"My dear, don't speak of it! Grantley and Elsie are like relatives to me," cried Mrs. Harrington, "and I love you so much already! You looked lovely--what a mercy we came off so well from our fright--"
"There is no time for pretty speeches," broke in Elsie, giving her a warning glance, and pulling Elizabeth towards their dressing-room; "go back to your guests, Mary Harrington; what will they do without you. Besides, you must cover our retreat. We don't want to be stared at when we go out."