journey from New York to Jacksonville, of
Reverdy at Chicago with his Indian pony, of my illness and Zoe. All my
troubles had faded away.

There was soon a knock at the door and Jenny's voice called to me that
she had brought me water. I arose, dressed, and went down to the living
room. Mrs. Clayton bade me such a kind good morning, kissed me on the
cheek. In a moment Dorothy entered, radiant from her night's rest, and
with a lover's kiss for me bestowed so happily, yet with something of
mischievous reserve--all so charming!

Our thoughts were fresh for the discussion of the marriage. Mrs.
Clayton thought that the wedding might take place at once, within a day
or two, at least, if I would not insist upon returning to Chicago for a
few weeks, or until she had opportunity to close the house preparatory
to her visit to North Carolina. This arrangement quite suited me. I
wanted to have Douglas present at the wedding. So I hastened away to
tell Douglas what my plans were.

I found him making ready to depart, but in consultation with
politicians. He was running for Congress again in Illinois, and the
presidential campaign was on. But when I told him of my desire he
thought for a moment, and consented. He was being importuned to make an
address at Nashville. Now he would stay to do so and attend the wedding.
I was very happy over these fortunate circumstances and returned quickly
to Dorothy. If only General Jackson could be persuaded to come, and Mr.
Polk. We had many things to do. I set about running errands for Mrs.
Clayton. Dorothy was notifying her friends, getting her veil, her dress
into readiness. Mammy and Jenny were cooking all sorts of delicacies;
they had requisitioned old Mose who was the slave of a neighbor, Mr.
Parsons, and the wedding preparations progressed with speed. I had
traveled hither without the slightest expectation of this sudden
consummation and therefore had no clothes suitable for the occasion. I
had to attend to that as best I could.

The hour came. Douglas arrived with Mr. Polk, who had also been a
friend of Mr. Clayton's. But General Jackson was unable to come. He was
not strong. He sent a bottle of rare wine and a bouquet and his hearty
congratulations; all by a colored messenger who was excited and voluble.
General Jackson! It was less than a year when he passed from earth.

Mr. Polk was a full-faced, rather a square-faced man, with broad
forehead, packed abundantly at the temples, rather