Lady Lyons was in a great state of excitement about Grace's wedding. She had large ideas as to what was the right thing to do; and she never for one moment thought that upon an occasion of this kind Grace would be wilful or obstinate. That she was peculiar she knew; but she had no idea she would indulge in peculiar ideas about a wedding, and that wedding her own. Grace would have no wedding-cake, no breakfast (in that sense), and no fuss, no bridesmaids. It was to be by special licence, and quiet as quiet could be. "But why, my dear?" "Because there is no one to ask." "We have plenty of acquaintances. I know many people, and it is unusual to have a wedding in a corner this way." "I don't know about a corner--I am to be married in church." "You know what I mean, Grace; and it is my only son." "I am sorry you have not got more sons, if you wish it, Lady Lyons." Then suddenly she knelt down beside her and said earnestly-- "Usually there are friends to rejoice; there is a mother or sisters, a father--some one who cares for a girl. They gather round her at an important moment of her life; but, Lady Lyons, in all the world there does not exist a more forlorn girl than I am. It would be mockery to summon acquaintances and call them friends. What do they know about me or about your son? I have thought, till I am tired of thinking, who there is to give me away. I can think of no one--I shall have to borrow a father for the occasion; and I cannot think where I shall find one." "My dear Grace, you do say such odd things!" "Do I? I am speaking the truth, perhaps that seems odd." "I do not feel as if it would be a wedding at all." "I hope it will be a wedding, though there are to be no guests; and, without guests to eat it, why have a wedding-cake?" "To send some away, and the look of the thing. You don't seem to think of that." "Who is to look? There is to be no one. I do not care for wedding-cake myself, though I love the almond-paste, and, if you eat some, you would be ill for weeks." Lady Lyons was not to be consoled. She told Sir Albert (who was still detained in town), and he tried to sympathise with her. Then he spoke to Grace-- "If people came, not here, but to the church--you would not mind it?" "How can I prevent people from going to church?" "And who is to give you away?" "I do not know; I have told Lady Lyons I intend borrowing a father for the occasion." "How would Sir Jacob do?" "They have never been near us, though they made such a fuss about us. Of course, it is not _his_ fault--still I will not ask him." "It would be kinder to think of some one, and so please Lady Lyons." "But, kind or not kind, I cannot think of any one." "There is some one I know; he is very kind, and it would be pleasanter for you." "It would be much better if I knew some one. I think girls are to be envied who have relations and friends; I have none." "If I find some one will you be nice about it?"