Part 23 (1/2)

”Maude has a level head,” was Aunt Ella's comment. ”I'll go and have a talk with Linda. If she will write your father in the Captain's behalf, I think things will come out all right.”

Linda was not only willing to a.s.sure the Hon. Nathaniel Adams Sawyer that Capt. Hornaby belonged to an old and honourable family, but also that he did not seek his daughter's hand because her father was a wealthy man, for the Hornaby estate was a large one, and the rentals sufficient to allow the Captain an adequate income, although there were other brothers to share the patrimony.

The Hon. Nathaniel deliberated before answering. Florence had always been a dutiful daughter and the fact that she would not become engaged without his consent was an acknowledgment of his parental influence which was vastly pleasing to his vanity. He had been tricked into accepting Alice as his son's wife, and he knew that Maude, when she made up her mind to marry would be guided little, if any, by his advice.

Filial love and respect deserved their reward.

He wrote the Countess giving his consent to the marriage, and, what was most important, declared his intention of allowing Mrs. Captain Hornaby an income of fifteen thousand dollars annually, and a liberal provision at his death. He was very sorry, but pressing legal duties would prevent his attendance at the wedding if it took place in England.

The Countess insisted upon the wedding taking place at Ellersleigh. She had obtained the, otherwise, obdurate father's consent, and demanded compensation for her services.

So many weddings have been described that novelty in that line is impossible. Sufficient to say that the Countess fulfilled expectations and more, and the event was the year's sensation in Suss.e.x, the echoes of which reached imperial London, and far off democratic America.

The Lady Elfrida Hastings was present at the wedding. She congratulated the Captain and his bride, but took occasion to say to the latter,--

”My dear, don't sing those sentimental American songs any more. That night you looked so _triste_ I was afraid the present delightful affair would never become a reality.”

Florence did not confess that, on the evening in question, she had misgivings herself.

CHAPTER XV

AN ELOPEMENT

The Hon. Nathaniel Adams Sawyer sat in his library reading a ponderous legal doc.u.ment. It was full of knotty points requiring deep thinking, and the Hon. Nathaniel was breathing deeply and thinking deeply when the door was opened quietly and a young girl looked in. She stood for a moment regarding the reader.

”Father, are you very busy?”

The man finished reading the page before noticing the speaker.

”I am always busy, Maude, except when asleep, and I sometimes think my subliminal consciousness is active then.”

Maude's inclination was to say ”Oh, my!” but she repressed the e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.i.o.n.

”I can give you a few minutes, Maude, if the subject is an important one. Come in.”

Maude entered, seated herself, folded her hands in her lap and regarded her father as a disobedient pupil would a teacher.

”Father--”

The Hon. Nathaniel was listening attentively.

”Father--”

”Repet.i.tion is effective if not indulged in to excess. I often use it in my arguments before juries.”

Maude flushed. She was particularly sensitive to sarcasm, but could stand any amount of good-natured raillery.

”Father, I'm going to be married.”