"I see the Countess there," said Aylesworth, still gazing. "And the Marchioness, and--" "The Marchioness?" murmured the pastor, in fresh dismay. "I guess they're all here," went on the best man, turning away from the door and joining his nervous companion. "I'd sooner face a regiment of cavalry than--" began Eric Temple. "May I have the pleasure and the honour of greeting Lord Temple?" said the little minister, approaching with outstretched hand. "A--er--a very happy occasion, your lordship. Perhaps I would better explain the presence in the church of a--er--rather unusual crowd of--er--shall we say curiosity-seekers? You see, this is an open church. The doors are always open to the public. Very queer people sometimes get in, despite the watchfulness of the attendant, usually, I may say, when a wedding of such prominence--ahem!--er--" "I don't in the least mind," said Lord Temple good-humouredly. "If it's any treat to them, let them stay. Sure you've got the ring, Aylesworth? I say, I'm sorry now we didn't have a rehearsal. It isn't at all simple. You said it would be, confound you. You--" "All you have to do, old chap, is to give your arm to Lady Jane and follow the Baroness and me to the chancel. Say 'I do' and 'I will' to everything, and before you know it you'll come to and find yourself still breathing and walking on air. Isn't that so, Doctor?" "Quite,--quite so, I am sure." "Let me take a peep out there, Aylesworth. I'd like to get my bearings." "Pray do not be dismayed by the--" began the minister. "Hullo! There's Bramby sitting in the front seat,--my word, I've never known him to look so seraphic. Old Fogazario, and de Bosky, and--yes, there's Mirabeau, and the amiable Mrs. Moses Jacobs. 'Gad, she's resplendent! Du Bara and Herman and--By Jove, they're all here, every one of them. I say, Aylesworth, what time is it? I wonder if anything can have happened to Jane? Run out to the sidewalk, old chap, and have a look, will you? I--" "Are all bridegrooms like this?" inquired Aylesworth drily, addressing the bewildered minister. "Here she is!" sang out the bridegroom, leaping toward the little vestibule. "Thank heaven, Jane! I thought you'd met with an accident or--My God! How lovely you are, darling! Isn't she, Aylesworth?" "Permit me to present you, Doctor, to Lady Jane Thorne," interposed Aylesworth. "And to the Baroness Brangwyng." * * * * * From that moment on, the little divine was in a daze. He didn't know what to make of anything. Everything was wrong and yet everything was right! How could it be?