I met her at the bridge
when I was coming home from the woods, and I saw her safely to
Uncle Bart's door.--I don't know why we speak of it as Uncle
Bart's when it is really Aunt Abby's!--I next met Mark, who had
fairly flown from Bridgton on the wings of love, arriving hours
ahead of time. I managed to keep him from avenging the insults
heaped upon his bride, and he has driven to the Mills to confide
in his father and mother. By this time Patty is probably the
centre of the family group, charming them all as is her custom."
"Oh, I am so glad Mark is at home! Now I can be at rest about
Patty. And I must not linger another moment, for I am going to
ask Mrs. Mason to keep me overnight," cried Waitstill, bethinking
herself suddenly of time and place.
"I will take you there myself and explain everything. And the
moment I've lighted a fire in Mrs. Mason's best bedroom and
settled you there, what do you think I am going to do? I shall
drive to the town clerk's house, and if he is in bed, rout
him out and have the notice of our intended marriage posted
in a public place according to law. Perhaps I shall save a day
out of the fourteen I've got to wait for my wife. 'Mills,'
indeed! I wonder at you, Waitstill! As if Mrs.
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