continuing the operation, Aubrey guided Gertrude in handing round
the slices. George did full justice thereto, as well as to the more
solid viands. Flora could taste nothing, but she contrived to smile and
say it was too early. She was in haste to have it over now, and, as soon
as George had finished, she rose up, still composed and resolved, the
last kisses were given--Gertrude was lifted up to her, after she was in
the carriage for the very last, when George proposed to run away with
her also, whereupon Daisy kicked and screamed, and was taken back in
haste. The door was shut, and they drove off, bound for the Continent,
and then Mary, as if the contingency of losing Flora had only for the
first time occurred to her as the consequence of the wedding, broke out
into a piteous fit of sobbing--rather too unrestrained, considering her
fourteen years.

Poor Mary, she was a very child still! They pulled her into the study,
out of the way of Mr. Rivers, and Meta had no sooner said how Flora
would soon come home and live at the Grange, and talked of the grand
school-feast to which she was at once going to take her friends, than
the round rosy face drew out of its melancholy puckers into smiles, as
Mary began to tell the delight caused by the invitations which she
had conveyed. That was to be a feast indeed--all the Abbotstoke
children--all Flora's class at Stoneborough, and as many Cocksmoor
scholars as could walk so far, were to dine on Christmas fare, at
one o'clock, at the Grange, and Meta was in haste to be at home to
superintend the feast.

Mary, Blanche, and Aubrey, went with her, under the keeping of Miss
Bracy, the boys were to follow. She had hoped for Ethel, but on looking
at her, ceased her coaxing importunity.

"I see," she said kindly; "even schoolchildren will not be so good for
you as peace."

"Thank you," said Ethel, "I should like to be quiet till the evening, if
you will let me off. It is very kind in you."

"I ought to know how to pity you," said Meta, "I who have gained what
you have lost."

"I want to think too," said Ethel. "It is the beginning to me of a new
life, and I have not been able to look at it yet."

"Besides, Margaret will want you. Poor Margaret--has it been very trying
to her?"

"I fear so, but I shall keep out of her way, and leave her to a quiet
afternoon with Richard. It will be the greatest treat to those two to be
together."

"Very well, I will carry off the children, and l