The ladies were all dressed in white, and even my little cousin wore a gala costume that amazed me.
"My bouquet, Harry; I hope you have not forgotten it," said Clara, as I approached.
I presented it at once, when she gaily and coquettishly held out her hand for me to kiss.

This I did, my blood rushing to my face and temples the while, and almost depriving me of consciousness.
"Well, Clara, I am surprised at you," said Mortimer.

"How can you treat the poor boy so ?" I grew deadly pale at these words, and, turning round, looked at the speaker full in the face.

Poor fellow, thought I, he is jealous, and I am really grieved for him; and turned again to Clara.
"Here it is--oh! how handsome, papa," said one of the younger children, running eagerly to the window, as a very pretty open carriage with four horses drew up before the house.
"The bishop has taste," I murmured to myself, scarcely deigning to give a second look at the equipage.
Clara now left the room, but speedily returned--her dress changed, and shawled as if for a walk.

What could all this mean ?--and the whispering, too, what is all that ?--and why are they all so sad ?--Clara has been weeping.
"God bless you, my child--good by," said my aunt, as she folded her in her arms for the third time.
"Good by, good by," I heard on every side.