human
Good morning! she exclaimed.
gpt
I was going out, but from far off I saw you two, with your profiles cut like silhouettes against all this glass and sunshine. I couldn't resist asking how Miss Grayle slept, and if there's anything I can do for her in the shops?
human
No, thank you, he replied for Annesley.
gpt
There's nothing we need trouble you about till the wedding to-morrow afternoon. You can put on your gladdest rags then, and be one of our witnesses. I believe that's the legal term, isn't it?
human
I do not know, said the Countess with a suppressed quiver in her voice, and a flash in the eyes fixed studiously on the river.
gpt
I know nothing of marriages in England. Who will be your other witness, if it's not indiscreet to ask?
human
I haven't decided yet,
gpt
Ah, of course, you have _plenty_ of friends to choose from; and so the wedding will be to-morrow?
human
Yes. One fixes up these things in next to no time with a special license. Luckily I'm a British subject. I never thought much about it before, but it simplifies matters; and I'll have been living in this parish a fortnight to-morrow. That's providential, for it seems that legally it must be a fortnight. I've been up since it was light, learning the ropes and beginning to work them. Even the hour's fixed--two-thirty.
gpt
You are prompt--and businesslike! returned the Countess, and again the girl blushed. She did not like to think of her knight of romance being
human
in his haste to make her his wife. But perhaps the Countess didn't mean to suggest anything uncomplimentary.
gpt
At what church will the 'ceremony take place' as the newspapers say? she went on.
human
It is to be a fashionable one?
gpt
No, replied, Smith, shortly.
human
Weddings in fashionable churches are silly unless there's to be a crowd; and my wife and I are going to collect our circle after we're married. I'll let you know in time where we are going. As you'll be with the bride you can't lose yourself on the way, so you needn't worry.
gpt
I don't! laughed the Countess.
human
I'm at your service, and I shall try to be worthy of the occasion. But now I shall take myself off, or your coffee will be cold. You have a busy day and it's late--even later than our breakfasts on the _Monarchic_ three weeks ago. Already it seems three months. _Au revoir_, Don. _Au revoir_, Miss Grayle.