“I know it! Hear me out!” “What the deuce, ma’am, are we to do with the people who are coming to the wedding even now?” “I am about to tell you, if you will quietly listen to me.” “Well! well! Yes, ma’am! I beg your pardon—I am all attention.” “Carolyn, I am sure, already regrets her hasty violence of temper.” “Yes! that she does! It’s easy to see that!” “And Archer, who is slower to anger and slower to repentance—though deeper and stronger in both for being slow—Archer, in a very few days, will bitterly repent the step he has taken, more especially as being on his Western march, it will be impossible to retrace it. Under these circumstances, this is what you must say to the assembled company to-night:—You must tell them, that last night a peremptory order arrived for Captain Clifton to join his regiment immediately; and that the marriage is deferred for the present. Let the company then enjoy themselves as at a ball. And all will go off well, and without scandal. I will be present myself, as the representative of our side of the house. I sent for you, Mr. Clifton, to give you this advice, and to suggest this plan of action in meeting the embarrassing difficulties of this evening. I should not propose this, if I were not sure that the marriage _is_ only deferred—that if the parties live, it will assuredly take place. I am _certain_ it will, Mr. Clifton! I am willing to pledge my own truth and honor on it, and become responsible for it! The plan I propose to you for meeting the guests this evening, is truest, wisest and best—think of it!”