Page:Love's trilogy.djvu/363

 'GOD'S PEACE' 353

the remaining part of the money I got for my last book shall be used for Greta's bridal-dress. She scolds me for my extravagance, but I want her to be the finest and most beautiful bride the old town has ever seen. The wedding is going to be solemnised in the little village - church close to the institution, and no one will be admitted but the old ladies. Our friend and three other good virgins from the institution are going to be bridesmaids and accompany ray Greta to the altar. After the cere- mony is over, we are going to drink a glass of champagne in the institution with the wedding guests, but there is also to be sweet French wine for those who prefer it. On our way home we will let the carriage Stop outside the graveyard, for Greta wishes to lay her bridal wreath on my mother's grave — the grave that united us. After that we shall make our entrance at Rough-Hill as husband and wife, and shall move into the upper story of the miller's house, which has been empty and unoccupied ever since Greta's mother died. It will be in May, the beech-trees will just be out, the air full of fragrance, and in the wood, on Rough- Hill, the nightingale will be singing his songs of love.

The days pass quickly, while Greta and I are living our great happiness, dreaming of the still greater which awaits us in the spring. In the morning we generally go for a long walk. Some- times we walk through the remote lanes and streets of the town, their sight alone takes me back to far-