But while they were attending to my bumped head Mike and Sally were married, and I didn’t see it after all!  ’Twas too bad!

CHAPTER VII.

THE BRIDE.

After Sally’s marriage there occurred at our house an interval of quiet, enlivened occasionally by letters from Cousin Emma, whose health was not as much improved by her visit to the country as she had at first hoped it would be; consequently she proposed spending the winter south.  Meantime, from Boston letters came frequently to Carrie Howard, and as the autumn advanced, things within and about her father’s house foretold some unusual event.  Two dressmakers were hired from the village, and it was stated, on good authority, that among Carrie’s wardrobe was a white satin and an elegantly embroidered merino traveling-dress.

Numerous were the surmises of Juliet and Anna as to who and how many would be invited to the wedding.  All misgivings concerning themselves were happily brought to an end a week before the time, for there came to our house handsome cards of invitation for Juliet and Anna, and—­I could scarcely believe my eyes—­there was one for me too.  For this I was indebted to Aunt Eunice, who had heard of and commiserated my misfortunes at Sally’s wedding.

I was sorry that my invitation came so soon, for I had but little hope that the time would ever come.  It did, however, and so did Mr. Ashmore and Agnes.  As soon as dinner was over I commenced my toilet, although the wedding was not to take place until eight that evening; but then I believed, as I do now, in being ready in season.  Oh, how slowly the hours passed, and at last in perfect despair I watched my opportunity to set the clock forward when no one saw me.  For this purpose I put the footstool in a chair, and mounting, was about to move the long hand, when—­

But I always was the most unfortunate of mortals, so it was no wonder that at this point the chair slipped, the stool slipped, and I slipped.  I caught at the clock to save myself; consequently both clock and I came to the floor with a terrible crash.  My first thought was for the hooks and eyes, which undoubtedly were scattered with the fragments of the clock, but fortunately every hook was in its place, and only one eye was straightened.  I draw a veil over the scolding which I got, and the numerous threats that I should stay at home.

As the clock was broken we had no means for judging of the time, and thus we were among the first who arrived at Captain Howard’s.  This gave Juliet and Anna an opportunity of telling Agnes of my mishap.  She laughed heartily, and then immediately changing the subject she inquired after Cousin Emma, and when we had heard from her.  After replying to these questions Anna asked Agnes about Penoyer, and when she had seen him.

“Don’t mention it,” said Agnes, “but I have a suspicion that he stopped yesterday at the depot when I did.  I may have been mistaken, for I was looking after my baggage and only caught a glimpse of him.  If it were he his presence bodes no good.”