They went with messages and letters and telegrams right and left, to prevent the disgrace of any more people coming to look at us.  And then, when they were all gone, we being in the kitchen, John soon recollected how the cook had begged us to be very particular, and put water every now and then into the boiler, for the pipe that supplied it was frozen, and if we didn’t mind it would burst.  So off he and Giles had to go into the dark yard and get in some water, and then they had to fetch in coals for the fires, and when John found that all the water in the back kitchen was frozen, and there was none but what was boiling to wash his hands in, he broke out again and denounced Val, and that minute up came the carrier’s cart to the back door, having rescued the four smallest Mortimers and Aunt Christie and the nurse, who had been found stuck fast in the sociable in a drift, and in the children burst, full of ecstasy and congratulations, and thinking it the greatest fun in the world that we should all be in the kitchen.  And while Grand sat in low spirits at one side of the fire, and they began to amuse themselves by pulling in all the fish-baskets, and parcels, and boxes, and wedding presents, that the carriers had left outside in the snow (because John wouldn’t let them come in and see us), St. George sat at the end of the dresser with his arms folded, smoked a cigar, and held his peace.  He must have been very much tired, as well as disgusted, poor fellow, for he had been rushing about the country for three days and nights; so he left all the others to do just what they liked, and say what they liked.  And very soon the whole confusion got to its height, by the elder children coming in and being told, and flying at John to condole and cry over him, and entreat him not to mind.  John, indeed! just as if we didn’t care at all!  It was intended that all the children should sleep in our house, for it is so near the church, and nothing could prevent the younger ones from thinking it all the most glorious fun.  What with having been stuck fast, and then coming on in the cart and finding us in the kitchen, and having supper there, they were so delighted that they could not conceal their ecstasy.

“As for little Anastasia, when the weights of the great kitchen clock ran down, and it stopped with an awful sort of gasping click, I believe she thought that was the wedding, for she ran up to St. George, who still sat on the dresser, and said—­

“‘Shan’t we have another one to-morrow?’

“‘No, you stoopid little thing!’ Bertie said.  ’You know Cousin Val won’t come to do the marrying.’

“‘But somebody must,’ she went on, ’else we can’t have our new nopera cloaks and our satin frocks.  Can’t papa?’

“‘No, papa doesn’t wish,’ said Bertie; ‘I asked him.’

“‘Then,’ she said, looking up at St. George, and speaking in a very pathetic tone, ’you will, dear, won’t you? because you know you’re so kind.’