The ordering of the whole affair was so very simple,
and the "treasure" appeared to understand the business most
thoroughly, and to be willing to take the whole burden upon her own
shoulders. It was not, therefore, until the evening before the
wedding that the Hodskiss family arrived in force, filling Aunt
Jane's small dwelling to its utmost capacity. The swelling figure
of the contractor, standing beside the tiny porch, compelled the
passer-by to think of the doll's house in which the dwarf resides
during fair-time, ringing his own bell out of his own first-floor
window. The countess and Lord C- were staying with her ladyship's
sister, the Hon. Mrs. J-, at G- Hall, some ten miles distant, and
were to drive over in the morning. The then Earl of -- was in
Norway, salmon fishing. Domestic events did not interest him.
Clementina complained of a headache after dinner, and went to bed
early. The "treasure" also was indisposed. She seemed worried and
excited.
"That girl is as eager about the thing," remarked Mrs. Hodskiss,
"as though it was her own marriage."
In the morning Clementina was still suffering from her headache,
but asserted her ability to go through the ceremony, provided
everybody would keep away, and not worry her.
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