The bride looked serenely sweet, a delicate blush tinging her face, which was almost of infantine fairness and innocence; then old Grand's white head came in the way as he advanced to meet her and take her hand, bowing low with old-fashioned formality and courtesy.

Several other people followed and claimed her acquaintance, so that they were closed in for the moment.

Then he felt that now was the time for him to come forward, which he did, and as the others parted again to let Grand take her to a seat, they met face to face.
"Ah, Valentine," she said, so quietly, with such an unexcited air; she gave him her hand for a moment, and it was over.

Then he shook hands with his brother, their eyes met, and though both tried hard to be grave, neither could forbear to smile furtively; but Giles was much the more embarrassed of the two.
During dinner, though Valentine talked and laughed, he could not help stealing a minute now and then to gaze at the bride, till John, darting a sudden look at him, brought him to his senses; but he cogitated about her, though he did not repeat the offence.

"Is it lilac, or grey, or what, that she has on?
That pale stuff must be satin, for it shines.