to repine at
that. So much has gone as I would have it that I only feel
myself to be happier than I deserve. What I shall chiefly
look forward to will be your first visit to Dunripple.

Your most affectionate friend,

MARY LOWTHER.

The other letter, as to which Mary had declared that she had not as
yet made up her own mind when she wrote to Mrs. Fenwick, was more
difficult in composition.

Loring, 2nd September, 186--.

DEAREST WALTER,

So it is all settled, and I am to be a deputy Squiress! I
have no objection to urge. As long as you are the deputy
Squire, I will be the deputy Squiress. For your sake,
my dearest, I do most heartily rejoice that the affair
is settled. I think you will be happier as a county
gentleman than you would have been in the army; and as
Dunripple must ultimately be your home,--I will say our
home,--perhaps it is as well that you, and I also, should
know it as soon as possible. Of course I am very nervous
about Mrs. Brownlow and her daughter; but though nervous I
am not fearful; and I shall prepare myself to like them.

As to that other matter, I hardly know what answer to make
on so very quick a questioning. It was only the other
day that it was decided that it was to be;--and there
ought to be breathing time before one also decides when.
But, dear Walter, I will do nothing to interfere with
your prospects. Let me know what you think yourself; but
remember, in thinking, that a little interval for purposes
of sentiment and of stitching is always desired by the
weaker vessel on such an occasion.

God bless you, my own one,

Yours always and always, M. L.

In real truth, I will do whatever you bid me.

Of course, after that, the marriage was not very long postponed.
Walter Marrable allowed that some grace should be given for
sentiment, and some also for stitching, but as to neither did he
feel that any long delay was needed. A week for sentiment, and two
more for the preparation of bridal adornments, he thought would be
sufficient. There was a compromise at last, as is usual in such
cases, and the marriage took place about the middle of October. No
doubt, at that time of year they went to Italy,--but of that the
present narrator is not able to speak with any certainty. This,
however, is certain,--that if they did travel abroad, Mary Marrable
travelled in daily fear lest her unlucky fat