The lines of care on Bertram's brow gave her a sensation of fear.

Was anything the matter?
Was the courage of the bride-elect failing?
At the eleventh hour could anything possibly injure the arrangements so nearly completed?
Catherine and Mabel were in good spirits.

Their bride's-maids' dresses had arrived from town the previous night.

They were of gauzy white over silk slips; the girls had never possessed such luxurious costumes before.
"You'd like to see us in them, wouldn't you, Loftie ?" said Mabel.
"Catherine looks splendid in hers, and those big hats with Marguerites are so becoming.

Shall we put our dresses on, Loftie, for you to see before you run away to Beatrice?
Shall we ?" Loftus raised his dark eyes, and looked full at his young sister.