A fortnight passed, and the Mumfords once more lived in enjoyment of tranquillity, though Emmeline could not quite recover her old self.  They never spoke of the dread experiences through which they had gone.  Mumford’s holiday time approached, and they were making arrangements for a visit to the seaside, when one morning a carrier’s cart delivered a large package, unexpected and of unknown contents.  Emmeline stripped off the matting, and found—­ a drawing-room screen, not unlike that which she had lost in the fire.  Of course it came from Louise, and, though she professed herself very much annoyed, Mrs. Mumford had no choice but to acknowledge it in a civil little note addressed to Coburg Lodge.

They were away from home for three weeks.  On returning, Emmeline found a letter which had arrived for her the day before; it was from Louise, and announced her marriage.  ’Dear Mrs. Mumford,—­I know you’ll be glad to hear it’s all over.  It was to have been at the end of October, when our house was ready for us.  We have taken a very nice one at Holloway.  But of course something happened, and mother and Cissy and I quarrelled so dreadfully that I went off and took a lodging.  And then Tom said that we must be married at once; and so we were, without any fuss at all, and I think it was ever so much better, though some girls would not care to go in their plain dress and without friends or anything.  After it was over, Tom and I had just a little disagreement about something, but of course he gave way, and I don’t think we shall get on together at all badly.  My stepfather has been very nice, and is paying for all the furniture, and has promised me a lot of things.  Of course he is delighted to see me out of the house, just as you were.  You see that I write from Broadstairs, where we are spending our honeymoon.  Please remember me to Mr. Mumford, and believe me, very sincerely yours, Louise L. Cobb.’

Enclosed was a wedding-card.

‘Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cobb,’ in gilt lettering, occupied the middle, and across the right-hand upper corner ran ‘Louise E. Derrick,’ an arrow transfixing the maiden surname.