The Easterfields, with Lieutenant Asher and his wife, arrived very promptly at the toll-gate on that important day, and their drive through the bright, crisp air put them in a merry mood.  They had hoped to bring Mr. Locker, but he had not arrived.  They found two captains at the toll-gate in even merrier mood.  Dick Lancaster was there, having arrived that morning, and they were none of them surprised that he looked serious.  The ladies were not immediately asked to go up-stairs to remove their wraps, for Olive was not there to receive them.  She soon, however, made her appearance in a lovely white dress that had been made for the trip under Mrs. Easterfield’s supervision.  Dick Lancaster immediately got up from his chair and joined her; and the Reverend Mr. Faulkner appeared from some mysterious place, and the astonished guests were treated to a very pretty marriage ceremony.

It was soon over, and the two jolly captains laughed heartily at the bewilderment of the Broadstone party.  And then there was a wild time of hand-shaking and congratulations and embracing.  By his wife’s orders, Mr. Tom kissed Olive, which seemed perfectly proper to everybody except Mrs. Lieutenant Asher.  She was also a young bride, with no similar experiences.

Later, when all were composed, Olive explained.  “What has happened just now is all on account of Mr. Easterfield’s invitation.  I wrote immediately to Dick, and we settled it between us that he would ask for a vacation—­they always give vacations when professors are married, and he knew of some one to take his place—­and then we would be married, and ask Mr. and Mrs. Easterfield to invite us to take our wedding trip with them.  Dick had to stay at the college until the last minute almost, and so we didn’t say anything about the wedding—­and we were both afraid of—­well, we don’t like a fuss—­and so we planned this.  And when Dick came he brought the license and Mr. Faulkner.  And now I don’t see how Mr. Easterfield can help inviting us.”

Mr. Easterfield was standing by his wife, and as Olive finished her explanation he took his wife’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze of sympathy; and that heroic woman never flinched; nor did she ever say one word about that pretty wedding she had planned for the spring.

They had all nearly finished the fried chicken with white sauce, when Claude Locker arrived.  He had missed the regular train and had come on a freight; had got a horse when he reached Broadstone.

“I am more tired than if I had walked,” he grumbled.  “I am always in bad luck!  I am an unlucky dog!  But you are so good you will excuse me, Miss Asher.”

“That is not my name,” said Olive gravely.

And with both eyes of the same size, Mr. Locker looked around, wondering why everybody was laughing.

“Let me introduce Mrs. Lancaster,” said Dick with a bow.

“Do you mean,” cried Locker, starting up, “that this thing is really done?”