The braid was fine and delicate, while the striking contrast of the jet black and rich golden hair of which it was composed, combined with its valuable clasp, rendered it not an unfit offering on such a day.
"Is it to remind me of all my unkindness towards you, Ellen, in days past, of my hour of pride ?" replied Caroline, in a low voice, as she threw her arm caressingly round her cousin, and fondly kissed her.

"I will accept your gift, my dear Ellen, and sometimes look upon it thus." "Nay, do not say so, dearest Caroline, or I shall feel inclined to take it even now from your arm, and never let you see it more; no, rather let it be a remembrance of those poor orphans, whose lives _you_ have not done the least to render happy.

Gratefully, affectionately, shall we ever think of you, dear Caroline, and, oh, may this little offering bid you sometimes think thus, and thus only of us." The carriages were rather later than expected, and Lady Gertrude observing Caroline somewhat pale, though no other sign denoted agitation, endeavoured, by talking more sportively than usually was her wont, to while away the time till the important moment arrived.
It came at length, and Caroline, with a faltering step, entered the carriage, which conveyed her to the old and venerable church, accompanied by Mr.and Mrs.Hamilton and Lady Gertrude, who had promised to remain near her.

The fair girls that held the rank of bridesmaids followed, and three other carriages contained the invited guests to the wedding.

Not a creature was visible to disturb by acclamations the bridal party on their route, and take from the calm and holy beauty of the early morning; but that the day was remembered was clearly visible, for there were garlands of the brightest, fairest flowers, which must, by their number and variety, have been culled from many gardens of many villages, festooning the hedges of the green lanes through which they passed, and many a gay pennon pendant from oak or stately elm fluttered in the breeze.