aierty hotel she whispered faintly.

With plesure my darling said Bernard I will just pack up our viands
ere I unloose the boat.

Ethel felt better after a few drops of champagne and began to tidy her
hair while Bernard packed the remains of the food. Then arm in arm
they tottered to the boat.

I trust you have not got an illness my darling murmured Bernard as he
helped her in.

[Pg 94]
Oh no I am very strong said Ethel I fainted from joy she added to
explain matters.

Oh I see said Bernard handing her a cushon well some people do he
added kindly and so saying they rowed down the dark stream now flowing
silently beneath a golden moon. All was silent as the lovers glided
home with joy in their hearts and radiunce on their faces only the
sound of the mystearious water lapping against the frail vessel broke
the monotony of the night.

So I will end my chapter.

[Pg 95]
CHAPTER 10

PREPARING FOR THE FRAY

The next few days were indeed bussy for Ethel and Bernard. First of
all Ethel got some dainty pink note paper with silver crest on it and
sent out invitations in the following terms to all their frends.

Miss Ethel Monticue will be married to
Mr Bernard Clark at Westminster Abbey
on June 10th. Your company is requested
there at 2-30 sharp and afterwards
for refreshment at the Gaierty Hotel.
R.S.V.P.

Having posted heaps of these and got several replies Ethel began to
order her wedding dress which cost a good bit. She chose a rich satin
with a humped pattern of gold on the pure white and it had a long
train [Pg 96] edged with Airum lilies. Her veil was of pure lace with a
crown of orange blossum. Her bouquett she ordered to be of white dog
daisies St. Joseph lilies and orange blossums tied up with pale blue
satin ribbon.

You will indeed be a charming spectacle my darling gasped Bernard as
they left the shop. Then they drove to the tailor where Bernard
ordered an elligant black suit with coat tails lined with crimson
satin and a pale lavender tie and an opera hat of the same hue and he
intended to wear violets in his buttonholes also his best white spats
diamond studs and a few extras of costly air. They both ordered a lot
of new clothes besides and Bernard gave Ethel a very huge tara made of
rubies and diamonds also two rich bracelets and Ethel gave him a bran
new trunk of shiny green leather. The earl of Clincham sent a charming
gift of some hem stitched sheets edged with real lace