Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/309

Rh was married," whatever might be its slips since, was undoubtedly accurate now. The church lying at a very little distance from the house, through a gravelled pathway, always used by the family, she caused the whole to be inclosed with green boughs, closed above with garlands of flowers, for which purpose the whole village was astir, with her at the head of them, about five in the morning; after this she had tables spread in the park, barrels placed at proper distances, under the care of old servants and steady farmers, and stacks of loaves distributed in profusion. The pleasures of children were especially cared for, and twelve of the prettiest girls in the parish being selected to strew flowers before the brides, were appointed to be mistresses of the ceremonies, and to "keep them in order, as well as make them merry," in which act of instruction, Arthur declared the dear lady intended him to receive a lesson. At nine, the good baronet (who breakfasted in bed) came down stairs, in full dress, his flowing white locks being confined by a ribbon behind, and crèpe in front; his ruffles, of fine Dresden, and his embroidered waistcoat, shewing what ladies could do in days past; for, being deemed too