To all of which Sedgwick responded by calling her an angel.

Then the matter of their marriage was talked over, and Sedgwick advised that in case her step-father should be angry upon learning of the event, she should take up her home with Jack and Rose.

“My father will not show much vexation,” she said.  “If he begins that way, I will remind him of the fortune he has taken from your friend, his own step-son, and explain that it was his and Jenvie’s work that made necessary what we shall have done.”

But it was agreed that all letters to her should be sent to a private box in the post-office, to which Sedgwick gave her the key.  It was agreed, moreover, that even Jack should not know he had not gone to America, because, as he explained, if Jack once suspected he was going to Africa, he, too, would insist upon going, which would break Rose’s heart, who had already waited for years; and then his going would be altogether unnecessary, as he and Jordan could do as well as three could.  Moreover, to go would be to lose what he had advanced on the Devonshire estate.

They both tried to be cheerful, but it was a sad night.  When they came to separate, Grace broke down, but through her tears promised to be brave when the final trial came.

Next morning, from half past nine to half past ten, Sedgwick and Grace were saying their final good-byes.  It was an hour never to be forgotten by them.  Grace did not attempt to restrain her tears.  In both their hearts was the feeling that one has when the last look is being taken of the face of a much-loved one who has gone to the final rest.  There were kisses and embraces and broken words, but there was no faltering on either side.  Both were supported by the thought that a duty had been presented and must not be avoided.

At 10:30 they retired to their respective apartments.  Sedgwick dressed himself in a business suit of a dark texture.  Grace attired herself in a traveling suit and hat.  The baggage of Sedgwick was sent off at 11:15, and both were ready when the carriage came.  The carriage with Mrs. Jenvie, Rose and Browning came up almost immediately, and the two vehicles proceeded to the church.  Quite a little company had gathered, drawn by curiosity, when the church doors were opened.

Jordan was present, radiant in a new suit, with a flower in his coat lapel, and he answered the smile and nod that each couple gave him as they passed up the aisle.

As stated before, Grace was in a traveling suit, but Rose was radiant in robe and train and orange wreath, and a buzz of admiration at her exquisite beauty followed her all the way to her place before the altar.

The ceremony proceeded in the usual order.  The mothers gave the brides away; the last prayer was finished, the kisses given, the papers duly signed and witnessed, the certificates filled out and given to the respective brides, and the company turned to leave the church.