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XXX. A Wedding at the Stone House
Allanwasawaitingthem.Theguestsgroupedthemselvesastheypleased.AnneandDianastoodbytheoldstonebench,withCharlottatheFourthbetweenthem,desperatelyclutchingtheirhandsinhercold,tremulouslittlepaws.
Mr.Allanopenedhisbluebookandtheceremonyproceeded.JustasMissLavendarandStephenIrvingwerepronouncedmanandwifeaverybeautifulandsymbolicthinghappened.Thesunsuddenlyburstthroughthegrayandpouredafloodofradianceonthehappybride.Instantlythegardenwasalivewithdancingshadowsandflickeringlights.
“Whatalovelyomen,”thoughtAnne,assherantokissthebride.Thenthethreegirlslefttherestoftheguestslaughingaroundthebridalpairwhiletheyflewintothehousetoseethatallwasinreadinessforthefeast.
“Thanksbetogoodness,it’sover,MissShirley,ma’am,”breathedCharlottatheFourth,“andthey’remarriedsafeandsound,nomatterwhathappensnow.Thebagsofriceareinthepantry,ma’am,andtheoldshoesarebehindthedoor,andthecreamforwhippingisonthesullarsteps.”
AthalfpasttwoMr.andMrs.Irvingleft,andeverybodywenttoBrightRivertoseethemoffontheafternoontrain.AsMissLavendar...Ibegherpardon,Mrs.Irving...steppedfromthedoorofheroldhomeGilbertandthegirlsthrewthericeandCharlottatheFourthhurledanoldshoewithsuchexcellentaimthatshestruckMr.Allansquarelyonthehead.ButitwasreservedforPaultogivetheprettiestsend-off.Hepoppedoutoftheporchringingfuriouslyahugeoldbrassdinnerbellwhichhadadornedthediningroommantel.
