Miss Peters almost trembled as she placed this exquisite head-dress over her scanty locks.  The moment the bonnet was on, she became conscious of an immense amount of moral support.  In that bonnet she could even defy Mrs. Butler.

“Nothing gives a lady such a nice feeling as being properly dressed,” she murmured.  “I am glad I went to the expense of a bit of pink silk to make this ruching.  It is wonderfully soft, and becoming, too.  I hope Martha won’t object to the chrysanthemums.  I chose the largest Perry had in his shop on purpose, in order not to be accused of aping youth.  Now, my parasol, my gloves, my handkerchief.  Oh, and my fan.  I’m sure to flush a little when I see that dear child being given away.  Now I’m quite ready.  It certainly is an extraordinarily early hour to be dressed for a wedding, which is not to take place till eleven o’clock.”

“Maria!” screamed Mrs. Butler’s voice.  “If you’re not quick, you’ll not have time to swallow your coffee.”

“Dear, dear!” exclaimed Miss Peters, “is Martha’s head going?  I have not been half-an-hour dressing; can she have mistaken the hour?”

The little spinster ran downstairs.

“Here I am, Martha.  Really I—­”

“Not a word, Maria.  Sit down at once, and drink off your coffee.  You can munch a bit of bread in your hand as we go along.”

“But, Martha, it is not six o’clock yet.”

“What of that?  We have not a moment to lose.  There’ll be crowds at the church.  I am given to understand it will be packed, and as I intend to have a front seat, I’m going now.”

Miss Peters began to count on her fingers.

“But Martha, it surely is not necessary.”

“Now, Maria, that’s enough.  You’d argue any one black in the face.  I don’t often have my way, but I’ll have it on this occasion.  I am going to call for Mrs. Gorman Stanley; and Mrs. Morris asked me to knock her up, and we’ll all of us just be at the church in good time.”

“In good time,” gasped Miss Maria.  “But the doors won’t be opened.”

“Oh, won’t they!  You just wait and see.  I haven’t fought that girl’s battles for nothing.  We’ll be able to get into the church, Maria, don’t you fear.  I have made friends as well as foes of late, and there are these who can get me into the church, so that I may stand up for Beatrice to the last.  Now, have you swallowed your coffee?”

“I have.  It has scalded my throat frightfully.  I hate drinking hot liquid in such a hurry.”

“Maria, you are dreadfully fractious this morning.  And, good gracious me!  What have you got in your bonnet!  Here let me hold up the candle and look.”

“Don’t—­don’t drop the grease on my brown silk, Martha.”

“Brown fiddlestick!  Hold your head steady.  Well—­I never!  The vanity of some folk!  The apings of some people.  Oh, I haven’t a word to say if you like to make a show of yourself.  I respect my years.  I live up to them.  Some people, I won’t name who—­don’t.”