Palace Gardens, Kensington, was selected by Elbraham for the scene of his married life, and here he was to take the fair Clotilde upon their return from their Continental trip. "It's all bosh, Litton, that going across to Paris; and on one's wedding day," said the great financier. "Can't we get off it?" "Impossible, I should say," replied Litton. "You see, you are bound to make yours the most stylish of the fashionable marriages of the season." "Oh yes, of course--that I don't mind; and I'll come out as handsome as you like for the things to do it with well; but I do kick against the run over to Paris the same day." "And why?" said Litton wonderingly. "Well, the fact is, my boy, I never could go across the Channel without being terribly ill. Ill! that's nothing to my feelings. I'm a regular martyr, and I feel disposed to strike against all that. Why not say the Lakes?" "Too shabby and cockneyfied." "Wales?" "Worse still." "Why not Scotland?" "My dear sir, what man with a position to keep up would think of going there? I'll consult Lady Littletown, if you like." "Lord, no; don't do that," said Elbraham. "She's certain to say I must go to Paris; and so sure as ever I do have to cross, the Channel is at its worst." "But it is a very short passage, sir. You'll soon be over; and in society a man of your position is forced to study appearances." "How the deuce can a fellow study appearances at a time like that?" growled Elbraham. "I always feel as if it would be a mercy to throw me overboard. 'Pon my soul I do." "I'll see if I cannot fee the clerk of the weather for you, and get you a smooth passage this time," said Litton, laughing; and the matter dropped. There were endless other little matters to settle, in all of which Litton was the bridegroom's ambassador, carrying presents, bringing back messages and notes, and in one way and another thoroughly ingratiating himself in Clotilde's favour, that young lady condescending to smile upon him when he visited Hampton Court. The Palace Gardens house was rapidly prepared, and, thanks to Arthur Litton, who had been consulted on both sides, and finally entrusted with the arrangements, everything was in so refined a style that there was but little room for envy to carp and condemn. Certainly, Lady Littletown had had what Mr Elbraham called a finger in the pie, and had added no little by her advice and counsel in making the interior the model it was. "For," said Elbraham, in a little quiet dinner with her ladyship at Hampton, "I'm not particular to a few thousands. All I say is, let me have something to look at for my money; and I say, Litton, draw it mild, you know." "I don't understand you," said that gentleman. "Do you mean don't have the decorations too showy?" "Not I. Have 'em as showy as you like. Get out with you; how innocent we are!" "Really, Mr Elbraham, I do not know what you mean," said Litton stiffly.