Even the youthful bridesmaids and groomsmen, expected to be "the life of the company," were awed into silence by the preponderance of age and clerical dignity in the little assembly, for the bishop was not ready with his usual harmless little jest, and the rector did not care to take precedence over his superior.
The conversation was serious rather than merry, and the speeches earnest rather than witty.
Near the end of the breakfast, the bride's health was proposed by the first groomsman in a complimentary speech, which was acknowledged in a few appropriate remarks by her nearest relative, the Baron Von Levison.
The bridegroom's health was then proposed by the baron, and acknowledged by a deep and silent bow from the duke.
Then the health of the bridesmaids, the clergy, Lady Belgrade, and the Baron Von Levison were duly honored.
And then the young bride arose, courtesied to her guests, and attended by her bridesmaids, retired to change her wedding dress for a traveling suit.
"How deadly pale she looks! Is my niece really happy in this marriage ?" inquired the Baron Von Levison, in a low tone, of Lady Belgrade, as the guests left the table.
"She is very happy in this marriage, which she has set her heart on for years.

In a word, this young wife is madly in love with her husband.

But you must consider what an awful shock she had on her first appointed wedding-day, and how it must recur to her mind in this," answered the dowager.
"Ah, to be sure! to be sure! poor child! poor child!" muttered the German head of the family.
Meanwhile the young Duchess of Hereward reached her apartments.
Her dresser, Margaret, was in attendance.

Her travelling suit of black bombazine, trimmed with black crape, was laid out.

With the assistance of her maid she slowly divested herself of her white vail and robes, and put on the black travelling dress.