"So it were. I can't gainsay that. And so we should 'a' been here if it hadn't been for the stubborn nater of that mule o' mine; for, you see, I had no other conveyance, and had to drive my wisitor here in the cart. And, if ever Old Scratch got into a brute beast, he got into that mule this morning. Couldn't get him out of a creep to save my life! And he balked so, coming up Indian Creek Hill, that I thought he would have upset us into the water--and it froze over! So we didn't get here till after the ceremony was over. There, that is all I know about it! Miss Hedge and Miss Sukey Grandiere spent an afternoon and took tea at my house, along with her, and maybe they can tell you something," said the old lady. And immediately she was deserted in favor of the sisters, who became, in their turn, the center of interest. But these ladies had really very little to communicate. Then the curiosity of the crowd took another direction. "We were all invited to the wedding reception, but, of course, we are not expected to go now," said Mrs. Hedge. "But it might seem like an offense if we didn't," suggested Miss Grandiere. And people were divided on the subject until the rector appeared, requested a hearing, and, with the apologies and regrets of Mr. and Mrs. Force, announced that there could be no reception held at Mondreer that day. So, at length, the congregation reluctantly separated and went home. CHAPTER XXIII MRS. ANGLESEA'S VISIT It was late in the winter afternoon when Mr. and Mrs. Force, with their family and guest, reached Mondreer. They were met by attentive servants, who were eager to behold the returning bride and bridegroom, and looked astonished to see the bride return in charge of her parents, accompanied by a strange woman. "Where was the bridegroom?" was the question that their amazed faces put, though their tongues said nothing. An accident must have happened. His horses must have run away and upset the carriage. Maybe he might be brought home on a stretcher presently. They curbed their curiosity until they could interview the coachman, who must know all about it. They waited on the returning party in respectful silence. "Miss Meeke, my dear," said Mrs. Force, as they entered the hall, "will you oblige me and take charge of our guest, and show her into the best spare room, where there is a fire, and attend to her comfort? Take Wynnette with you. You see, dear, that I have to give my whole care to my poor child here. Mrs. Anglesea, I am sure you will excuse me for a little while?" "Oh, go along with you and look after the gal! She's 'most dead! How she can take on so after that beat beats me! Lord! there's no accounting for gals' whims! But there! go along with her. Never mind me; I can make myself at home anywheres!" exclaimed the visitor, beginning to pull off her overshoes then and there.