she was in the wrong; but all her authorized advisers had persuaded her that she was irrevocably committed, and that an engagement ought to be held as sacred as a marriage, so that she could see no way out of it.
Old Mr. Derrick behaved very handsomely; he took a house for the young people in London, and furnished it splendidly. He made most handsome presents to the bride, and thought she was charmingly conscious in her embarrassed gratitude, but unfortunately she did not take to him or to the old lady, and in the long weary months of her engagement she even tired of the society of Charlotte and Anne.
The two years specified came to an end, and the marriage took place. The trousseau was superb, and the ceremony was performed at a most fashionable church by a fashionable clergyman. The Morning Post gave a full and particular description of the dress of the bride and of the bridesmaids, and announced to the world that the happy couple had gone to make their wedding tour in Scotland. Both families received the congratulations of their friends on the happy event, and the Earl and Countess felt very glad that it was so well over.
