"Why should the lady at the farm not receive me?
Has anyone been giving me a bad character?
Speak, Rachel, may I not go with you ?" "I cannot go any further," said Rachel; "I am not well." And indeed she looked ill.
"Rest a little," I said pitilessly, "and by and by you will be able to go on." But Arthur, all alarmed, looked at me with surprise and reproach, drew Rachel's hand within his own, and began walking slowly towards the Hall.
I followed, with no company but my reflections, which were odd enough; and so ended this adventure.
And now what I think the most startling occurrence of my story has got to be related, and, when it is told, all will be pretty nearly finished.
It was arranged that the wedding should be very private.

Sir Arthur, although he had reluctantly withdrawn his opposition, had refused to be present at the marriage, therefore, no other guests were invited.

The eve of the day arrived, and I had spent the forenoon in decorating the little church with white flowers.

Early in the morning Rachel and Arthur, with Mr.and Mrs.Hill and myself, were to proceed thither, and an hour later the husband and wife were to depart on their life's adventure together.
I remember the kind of evening it was.

There was a great flush in the sky, and a great glow on the earth, that made the garden paths hot to the tread, and crisped up the leaves of the full-blown roses.