. Mamma did talk of
going up to town, but I believe they have things now quite
as good at Hereford. Sarah, when she was married, had all
her things from London, but they say that there has been a
great change since that. I am sure that I think that you
may get anything you want at Muddocks and Cramble's. But
mamma says I am to have my veil from Howell and James's.

Of course you and Mr. Wharton will come. I shan't think it
any marriage without. Papa and mamma talk of it as quite
of course. You know how fond papa is of the bishop. I
think he will marry us. I own I should like to be married
by a bishop. It would make it so sweet and so solemn. Mr.
Higgenbottom could of course assist;--but he is such an
odd old man, with his snuff and his spectacles always
tumbling off, that I shouldn't like to have no one else. I
have often thought that if it were only for marrying
people we ought to have a nicer rector at Wharton.

Almost all the tenants have been to wish me joy. They are
very fond of Everett already, and now they feel that there
will never be any very great change. I do think it is the
very best thing that could be done, even if it were not
that I am so thoroughly in love with him. I didn't think I
should ever be able to own that I was in love with a man;
but now I feel quite proud of it. I don't mind telling you
because he is your brother, and I think that you will be
glad of it.

He talks very often about you. Of course you know what
it is that we all wish. I love Arthur Fletcher almost
as much as if he were my brother. He is my sister's
brother-in-law, and if he could become my husband's
brother-in-law too, I should be so happy. Of course we all
know that he wishes it. Write immediately to wish me joy.
Perhaps you could go to Howell and James's about the veil.
And promise to come to us in May. Sarah says the veil
ought to cost about thirty pounds.

Dearest, dearest Emily,
I shall so soon be your most affectionate sister,

MARY WHARTON.

Emily's answer was full of warm, affectionate congratulations. She
had much to say in favour of Everett. She promised to use all her
little skill at Howell and James's. She expressed a hope that the
overtures to be made in regard to the bishop might be successful. And
she made kind remarks even as to Muddocks and Cramble. But she would
not promise that she herse