Mary was too well accustomed to Lady Maclaughlan’s style not to comprehend that her marriage with Colonel Lennox was an event she had long wished for and now most warmly sanctioned; and she hastened home to convey the glad tidings in a letter to her aunts, though doubtful if the truth itself would be able to pierce its way through their prejudices.

Another stroke of palsy soon rendered Sir Sampson unconscious even to the charms of Grizzy’s conversation, and as she was no longer of use to him, and was evidently at a loss how to employ herself, Mary proposed that she should accompany her back to Lochmarlie, to which she yielded a joyful assent.  Once convinced of Lady Maclaughlan’s approbation of her niece’s marriage she could think and talk of nothing else.

Some wise individuals have thought that most people act from the inspiration of either a good or an evil power:  to which class Miss Grizzy belonged would have puzzled the most profound metaphysician to determine.  She was, in fact, a Maclaughlanite; but to find the root of Maclaughlan is another difficulty—­thought is lost.

Colonel Lennox, although a little startled at his first introduction to his future aunt, soon came to understand the naivete of her character; and his enlarged mind and good temper made such ample allowance for her weaknesses, that she protested, with tears in her eyes, she never knew the like of him—­she never could think enough of him.  She wished to goodness Sir Sampson was himself again, and could only see him; she was sure he would think just as she did, etc. etc. etc.

The day of Lady Emily’s marriage arrived, and found her in a more serious mood than she had hitherto appeared in; though it seemed doubtful whether it was most occasioned by her own prospects or the thoughts of parting with Mary, who with Aunt Grizzy, was to set off for Lochmarlie immediately after witnessing the ceremony.  Edward and his bride would fain have accompanied her; but Lord Courtland was too much accustomed to his daughter and amused by his nephew to bear their absence, and they therefore yielded the point, though with reluctance.  “This is all for want of a little opposition to have braced my nerves,” said Lady Emily, as she dropped a few tears.  “I verily believe I should have wept outright had I not happily descried Dr. Redgill shrugging his shoulders at me; that has given a filip to my spirits.  After all, ’tis perhaps a foolish action I’ve committed.  The icy bonds of matrimony are upon me already; I feel myself turning into a fond, faithful, rational, humble, meek-spirited wife!  Alas!  I must now turn my head into a museum, and hang up all my smart sayings inside my brain, there to petrify, as warnings to all pert misses.  Dear Mary! if ever I am good for anything, it will be to you I owe it!”

Mary could only embrace her cousin in silence, as she parted from her brother and her with the deepest emotion, and, assisted by Colonel Lennox (who was to follow), took her station by the side of her aunt.