Yes! though all the de Courcys in Barsetshire should tread upon me and obliterate me.

Though I should be as dust among the stars, though I should creep up in calico among their satins and lace, I will nevertheless be there; close, close to the bride; to hold something for her, to touch her dress, to feel that I am near to her, to--to--to--" and she threw her arms round her companion, and kissed her over and over again.

"No, Trichy; I won't be Augusta's bridesmaid; I'll bide my time for bridesmaiding." What protestations Beatrice made against the probability of such an event as foreshadowed in her friend's promise we will not repeat.

The afternoon was advancing, and the ladies also had to dress for dinner, to do honour to the young heir..