the right of arranging all these minor points, according to their own fancy." "Minor points!" repeated Mrs. Seymour, pleasantly shaking her head; "ah, my dear, I fear you are not a competent judge in such matters." Probably not," rejoined her husband, with a smile. However, of two evils we must, I suppose, choose the least," pursued Mr. Seymour, reflectively; "it would be far better to waive ceremony than to allow the marriage to be delayed." "My proposal is this," said Sir Edward, with sudden energy; "let us adhere to our first plan, and go down to Penruthven, where every preparation has been made to receive us, and where the important ceremony can be performed as speedily and as quietly as could possibly be desired." This proposition was, after a trifle more consideration, unanimously agreed to, and on the afternoon of the following day the whole party (including Colonel Lansmore and his wife, who had joined them for the express purpose of being present at the marriage) left Lanchester en route for Cornwall. CHAPTER XC. CHRISTMAS EVE. "Led they not forth in rapture "It's now the fortune of our friends, H. W. LONGFELLOW. In spite of tides and adverse winds, To which I mean my wearie course to bend ; And seemeth safe from storms that may offend." Faerie Queene. "So He bringeth them unto their desired haven.” "From all my griefs, O Lord, Thy mercy set me free; Whilst in the confidence of prayer My soul took hold on Thee." ADDISON. AT last the long-looked-for bridal day dawned in all its autumn brightness; and Herbert and Ella stood side by side within the quaint little church of Penruthven, and heard the words pronounced which, by uniting their destinies, secured to them the greatest joy and felicity this transitory world could possibly afford. Immediately after the conclusion of the marriage ceremony the happy pair, instead of commencing the long continental tour they had been for some time contemplating, went to pass a few weeks among the Scottish mountains, Mr. and Mrs. Seymour meanwhile remaining at Penruthven, from whence the former could make frequent visits to Mertonsville, in order to note the progress of a staff of London upholsterers, who were actively engaged in every part of the mansion, altering, improving, and entirely refurnishing most of the principal suites of apartments, especially those which Mrs. Seymour had been accustomed to occupy, and which might, if left in their former condition, have served in some way or other to remind of scenes and occurrences which would be apt to exercise a very powerful and depressing effect over her mind, and react painfully and injuriously upon her-to a certain extent-shattered constitution. One complete wing of the large building was fitted up, under Mr. Seymour's careful superintendence, in the most costly and luxurious manner. Nothing that wealth could purchase, or art devise, seemed wanting to unite perfection of comfort with the highest degree of refinement, both in the furnishings and embellishments of these rooms, which he intended for Ella's special use-it having been arranged that she and Herbert should take up their residence at the Park. This decision was received with intense delight by Mrs. Seymour, who greatly feared that the newly wedded pair would consider themselves bound to accept a handsome house which Sir Edward had lately built for them in the neighbourhood of Lanchester, though she was at a loss to understand—so she privately remarked to her husband-why the young baronet should consider it necessary to provide a residence for their son, when he must have been well aware that Herbert was quite able to do that himself. "The only way of accounting for it," she added, after making several allusions to the subject, "is, that Lady Stanley being naturally desirous of keeping dear Ella as near herself as possible, thought she would in this way be likely to get her wish fulfilled." And Mr. Seymour did not attempt to undeceive her; for having no more satisfactory reason to allege, he was well pleased that she should explain the matter in her own fashion. It was the 24th of December. About three o'clock in the afternoon London stopped at the Dilton station. * an express train from Two passengers alighted-a lady and gentleman. The former, a graceful girlish figure, simply, yet richly attired in a travelling suit of brown velvet, trimmed with ermine; the latter, tall and distinguished-looking, with the noble bearing of mind and manhood impressed upon his lofty brow, and the brightness of a joy not altogether of earth, springing from the depths of his intellectual dark eyes. Quietly, and without any outward manifestation of hurry or excitement, this gentleman assisted his companion to reach the platform, and then, placing her hand upon his arm, he gently drew her forward. He had only advanced a step or two, and was stooping to make some low-toned observation to the beautiful creature at his side, when a sudden exclamation, instantaneously followed by a deafening cheer, burst upon their ear, and the next moment they were surrounded by a crowd of people, who, pressing forward with bare heads and smiling faces, respectfully bade them welcome. "Don't be alarmed, my love," said the gentleman, in a reassuring whisper, as he felt the small hand tighten on his arm. "O Herbert, what does it mean?" she breathlessly asked, almost bewildered by the number of faces, all gazing at herself and her husband with an expression of such hearty admiration, and deep, unfeigned interest. That will tell you, darling," replied Herbert, pointing smilingly to a triumphal arch which had been erected near the gateway leading into the road. And Ella, timidly raising her eyes in the direction he pointed out, read, in large, unmistakable characters, the sentence "A THOUSAND WELCOMES TO THE YOUNG SQUIRE AND HIS LOVELY BRIDE." This was scarcely calculated to lessen her confusion, but by making a great effort she succeeded in suppressing her emotion, and was even able to respond to the kindly greetings of their humble friends with her own sweet and peculiarly winning smile; when Herbert, who guessed how trying such an ordeal must be to one of her shrinking and sensitive nature, said, in a low tone, expressive both of regret and tender solicitude, "I fancied that, by omitting to inform them at what hour we intended to arrive, we should escape anything in the way of an ovation; but as it is not so, we must make the best of it, or else these affectionate and warm-hearted creatures will be disappointed. 66 My dear friends, I am delighted to see you all again," he continued, taking off his hat, and raising his voice, while he gazed around him with a face which glowed with kindly feeling. The only answer he received was another loud cheer, which was caught up and echoed by a second group congregated outside. Ere the sound died away, Herbert had reached a carriage which was waiting for them, and, after handing Ella into it, he paused with his own foot upon the step in doubt and astonishment. "What are you going to do, my friends?" 66 By your leave, sir, we intend to draw yourself and your lady home," quickly responded a man whom Herbert instantly recognised as being the same whom he had found lying one evening in a ditch some miles from the Park, ill and exhausted, apparently on the verge of starvation. 66 Ah, Simon, is that you?" he cried, pleased at the discovery; "I'm glad indeed to behold you alive and well." "Yes, thanks to your kindness, sir, I am alive," answered the man, with a jerk of his head, intended for a polite bow to Ella, "and mighty proud am I to see this day." 66 You may well say that," exclaimed another of the bystanders, enthusiastically throwing his cap up in the air; "it's a glorious day for us all, sir," turning to Herbert with glistening eyes. "Thank you, my friends. We shall not soon forget the warm reception you have given us," replied our, hero, showering kindly glances around him. "But I cannot allow you to take this step," he continued persuasively, on perceiving the preparations they were making to carry them home in triumph. It was in vain, however, that he remonstrated; nothing could turn them from their purpose. The horses were taken out of the carriage, and the latter borne swiftly along, under waving banners, gay festoons, and flower-wreathed arches, which spanned the country road at equal distances from each other; where the plain and variegated holly, with its bright red berries; the lauristinus, with its clusters of halfopened blossoms; the sweet-scented hyacinth, the narcissus and chrysanthemum, the starlike anemone, and the delicate and fragrant Chinese rose, were all distinctly visible. At one of the park gates the men halted, for the purpose of giving Lisburn's wife an opportunity of presenting the bride with some lovely tinted camellias, which the old man had himself so tastefully arranged in an elegant little basket filled with the greenest and softest moss, that Ella could not help uttering an exclamation of delighted surprise as she received them. "Oh, thank you," she said, leaning forward and laying her small gloved hand upon the donor's shoulder, with a gesture of such unstudied grace and gentle kindness, that the good woman's eyes glistened gratefully. 66 "You're kindly welcome, ma'am," she replied, dropping a curtsey; 'my husband says he only wishes they were better." "That would be impossible," emphasised Ella, gazing fondly down upon them. "Look, Herbert!" hoiding up the basket (his attention having been claimed by some one addressing him, from the opposite window, he had not until then noticed what was going on)," are they not perfectly lovely?" "Yes," he replied. And the curious smile which stole to his lips, as his eye wandered from the camellias to herself, showed that, in his opinion, something else was quite as lovely. "Tell your husband"-Lisburn was just then laid up with rheumatism, and unable to leave his bed—“that I_shall very soon find my way down to him," said Herbert, after exchanging a word or two of kindness with the old woman, who then went back to her cottage, and delivered his message to her afflicted spouse, together with her own unanswerable conclusions as to the beauty and goodness of Herbert's fair young bride. On reaching the house, Ella met with an agreeable surprise; for scarcely had Herbert time to hand her from the carriage, when she found herself clasped in Lady Stanley's arms. "O mamma, this is indeed an unexpected pleasure," she exclaimed; now I shall have courage." And, with sparkling eyes and a heightened colour, she hastened to respond to the scarcely less affectionate embrace of her mother-inlaw, who was in an ecstasy of delight. Next came Mr. Seymour, and it was on his arm that Ella passed through the tesselated hall, with its gilded ceiling and painted walls; its sparkling crystal gaseliers and pillars of Italian marble; its old Florentine bronzes, rare statues and classical groups, exquisitely inlaid tables of ebony and buhl, on which were disposed, in "most admired disorder" beautiful enamels on porcelain, plaques of ivory, carved with Scripture subjects, curious mosaics, and delicate china. Her conductor seemed intuitively to divine the young bride's feelings as she thus stood for the first time within the dwelling which was to be her future home, for he merely pointed to the illuminated device brilliantly shining over the doorway in honour of their arrival ; and, without any unnecessary parade or delay, led her past the assembled servants, and into the nearest reception room, where Sir Edward and Lucy Stanley were both anxiously expecting them. "It was all Mrs. Seymour's doing," said Lucy, when Ella had again expressed her surprise and pleasure at this unlooked-for reunion with her own family. "She persuaded mamma to come, as she fancied it would seem more homelike if we were here to welcome you." "Yes," interposed Mrs. Seymour, with a gratified smile; "and you do not know how many obstacles I had to overcome before I could get Lady Stanley to accede to my wishes: I assure you, Ella, it was no easy matter." "How kind of you to take so much trouble!" warmly responded her daughter-in-law, with a glance of affection. "But you must come upstairs, dear child, and let me show you your rooms," continued Mrs. Seymour, taking her by the hand, and drawing her towards the door. "I can plainly see," she added, looking back, "that Lucy is longing to have you all to herself." "O Mrs. Seymour," laughed the gay-hearted girl, "I hope I am not quite so selfish." |