After the first course Mr. Lytton, who occupied a seat at the foot of this table, arose in his place and made the usual little speech, and proposed the health of both "happy pairs."
Then the health of the bride-maids was proposed and honored.
Mr. Brent proposed their accomplished host and hostess. And this toast was honored with an enthusiasm equal to that which had attended that of the brides and bridegrooms.
An hour, every moment of which was filled up with enjoyment, was spent at the table, and then the beautiful hostess, Mrs. Alden Lytton, gave the signal, and the ladies all arose and withdrew.
The two brides, accompanied by Emma, went upstairs to their rooms to change their bridal dresses for traveling-suits, for the two carriages were already waiting at the gates to convey them to Wendover, whence they were to take the train for Richmond, _en route_ for the North.
They were soon dressed in their pretty suits of soft, dove-colored silk, with hats and gloves of the same shade.
They went down to the drawing-room, still accompanied by Emma.
The gentlemen had just come in from the breakfast-table, and all the guests were assembled there to see the happy pairs off on their bridal tours.
Emma had left the room for a few minutes to give some orders.
Alden Lytton had just embraced his sister, and was holding the hand of his brother-in-law, wishing him all manner of happiness and prosperity, when the door opened and Jerome entered, saying:
"There's a gemman out here wants to see Mr. Lytton most partic'lar."
"Show him in," said Alden Lytton, smiling, and expecting to see some guest who had come too late for the wedding.
You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting With most admired disorder. --SHAKESPEARE.
The servant left the room, and presently returned and ushered in a tall, stout, gray-haired man, whom all present recognized as Mr. John Bowlen, the deputy sheriff of the county.
The new-comer bowed to the assembled company and walked straight up to Alden Lytton, who advanced to meet him.
"You are Mr. Alden Lytton, I presume?" said the deputy-sheriff.
"Why, of course I am, Mr. Bowlen! You know that quite well, don't you?" smiled Alden.
"I thought I did; but I wished to be quite sure in a case like this. You are my prisoner, Mr. Alden Lytton," said the deputy-sheriff, so calmly and distinctly that every one in the room both heard and understood the strange words.