She even invited a few particular friends
to meet the bridal pair at dinner, on their return from church.
The little interval between this and Sunday morning was passed by Edith
and Shields in making arrangements for their future course.
Sunday came.
A young lady of the neighborhood officiated as bridesmaid, and
Cloudesley Mornington as groomsman. The ceremony was to be performed at
the Episcopal Church at Charlotte Hall. The bridal party set forward in
two carriages. They were attended by the commodore and Mrs. Waugh. They
reached the church at an early hour, and the marriage was solemnized
before the morning service. When the entries had been made, and the
usual congratulations passed, the party returned to the carriages.
Before entering his own, Commodore Waugh approached that in which the
bride and bridegroom were already seated, and into which the groomsman
was about to hand the bridesmaid.
"Stay, you two, you need not enter just yet," said the old man, "I want
to speak with Mr. Shields and his wife, Edith!"
Edith put her head forward, eagerly.
"I have nothing against you; but after what has occurred, I don't want
to see you at Luckenough again. Good-by!" Then, turning to Shields, he
said, "I will have your own and your wife's goods forwarded to the
hotel, here," and nodding gruffly, he strode away.
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