and Mrs.
Hodskiss. Quite as remarkable was the new-born desire of Lord C-
towards Miss Clementina Hodskiss. Mary's name was never mentioned,
and the suggestion of immediate marriage was listened to without
remonstrance. Wiser folk would have puzzled their brains, but both
her ladyship and ex-Contractor Hodskiss were accustomed to find all
things yield to their wishes. The countess saw visions of a
rehabilitated estate, and Clementina's father dreamed of a peerage,
secured by the influence of aristocratic connections. All that the
young folks stipulated for (and on that point their firmness was
supernatural) was that the marriage should be quiet, almost to the
verge of secrecy.
"No beastly fuss," his lordship demanded. "Let it be somewhere in
the country, and no mob!" and his mother, thinking she understood
his reason, patted his cheek affectionately.
"I should like to go down to Aunt Jane's and be married quietly
from there," explained Miss Hodskiss to her father.
Aunt Jane resided on the outskirts of a small Hampshire village,
and "sat under" a clergyman famous throughout the neighbourhood for
having lost the roof to his mouth.
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