Part 17 (1/2)
This announcement was received at first in total silence Then Merry flew to her father and kissed hireat many times, and Cicely kissed her ht; we can't quite realize it to-night; but--but--we are glad!”
Then she took Cicely's hand, and they went out of the rooures approached the door
Merry opened it, and they both passed out
”I wonder,” said Mr Cardew, looking at his wife, ”if they are going out of our lives”
”Indeed, no,” said Mrs Cardew; ”froood woman--one of the best”
”She is one of the very, very best, Sylvia; and I think the very happiest thing for us both would be to run up to town to-morrow, and for you to see her for yourself”
”Very well, darling; ill do so,” said Mrs Cardew
CHAPTER X
ANETA
So everything was settled Cicely and Merry scarcely slept at all that night They were too much excited; the neas too wonderful Now that their as granted, there was pain h perfect joy must have its modicu dawned the regret of the night before seemed to have vanished In the first place, Mr and Mrs Cardew had gone early to London; and the mere fact that their father and irls The picnic need not be postponed, for Mr and Mrs Tristram could act as chaperons on this auspicious occasion
They were all to meet at the Manor at eleven o'clock; and, punctual to the hour, a goodly array of happy young people walked up the avenue and entered the porch of the old-house Andrew, devoted to Maggie, was present Jack, equally Maggie's slave, was also there Maggie herself, looking neat and happy, was helping every one Molly and Belle, all in white, and looking as charirls could, were full of expectation of their long and delightful day
One wagonette could hold the whole party, and as it drove round to the front door the boys fiercely took possession of the box-seat, fighting with the coachman, who said that there would be no roos, if that is the case,” said Peterkins, ”you get along in at once, and take this corner close to ”
”You won't whisper htful lot to say to Mags this ie; ”if you quarrel about me I shall not speak to either of you”
This threat was so awful that the boys glanced at each other, reot quietly into their places Then the hampers were put on the floor just under their feet
Presently Cicely and Merry ca pretty pink muslins, with pink sashes to ht Mr and Mrs Tristram inquired for their host and hostess
”Oh, I have news for you!” said Merry
”Yes,” said Cicely, ”Merry will tell”
”Well, it's Just this,” said Merry, al out her words in exciteo rather unexpectedly to town”
”Why?” said Maggie; then she restrained herself, knowing that it was not her place to speak
”They have gone to town,” said Merry, scarcely looking at Maggie now, and endeavoring with all her reat and wonderful thing has happened; so so unexpected that--that Cicely and I can scarcely believe it”
Maggie glanced at the sweet little faces She said to herself, ”All right,” and got calonette, where she sat close under the box-seat which contained those obstreperous young heroes Andrew and Jack The others clustered round Merry
”As I said, I can scarcely believe it,” said Merry; ”but father has done theOh Belle! oh Molly! it is too wonderful! For after all--after all, Cicely and I are to go with you to Aylmer House in Septeone to town Father went up yesterday and saw Mrs Ward, and he--he settled it; and father and one up to-day--both of theo!