Mrs. Evelyn and I
gloated over it together, all the more that the children had not a
suspicion. I don't think Babie and Sydney realise any one being in
love nearer our own times than 'Waverley' at the very latest. They
received the intelligence quite as a shock. Allen said, as if they
had heard that the Greek lexicon was engaged to the French grammar!
It will be their first bridesmaid experience."
"Did they miss the wedding at Kenminster?"
"Yes; Jessie's old General chose to marry her in the depth of winter,
when we could not think of going home. You know I have not been at
Belforest for four years."
"Four years! I suppose I knew, but I did not realise it."
"Yes. You know there was the first summer, when, just as we got back
to London after our Italian winter, poor Armie had such a dreadful
attack on the lungs, that Dr. Medlicott said he was in more danger
than when he was at Schwarenbach; and, as soon as he could move, we
had to take him to Bournemouth, to get strength for going to the
Riviera. I can say now that I never did expect to bring him back
again! But I am thankful to say he has been getting stronger ever
since, and has scarcely had a real drawback."
"Yes, I was astonished to see him looking so well. He would scarcely
give a stranger the impression of being delicate.
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