human
You are terribly exasperating,
gpt
You must admit that it was a lovely wedding, except for the bride and groom,
human
Certainly, Pearl answered smiling.
gpt
It cost them thousands.
human
But we could have done it much better, Pearl, Mrs. Radigan went on, now in quite a gentle tone.
gpt
I hated so to see you only maid of honor at the wedding of so great a man as the Duke of Nocastle. It seemed to me as though Ethel Bumpschus were taking you up the aisle at her chariot-wheels. And you looked so lovely.
human
Certainly, said Pearl.
gpt
How could I help it?
human
It was funny, she said.
gpt
I really almost laughed myself. And all the rest was so lovely that it did seem a pity that Ethel Bumpschus and that little Duke had to come in and spoil it. Did you notice them at the chancel? Everything was perfect; the Bishop of New York and the Bishop of Long Island and the other clergymen did look so smart in their vestments, and that Captain Lord Algernon is a magnificent man, like all heirs presumptious, and the bridesmaids were exquisite, Pearl, exquisite; and I have never seen such ushers, except those white spats did make their feet more attractive than their faces; but, 'pon my word, when I saw the Duke kneeling beside Ethel and just reaching her shoulders, I thought I should collapse. Do you suppose he said anything during the ceremony?
human
I think, said Pearl,
gpt
I think, but I wouldn't swear to it, of course, that when the Bishop asked if he took Ethel he said it would be jolly.
human
Poor little fellow, said Mrs. Radigan.
gpt
He looked so good and kind and harmless when he came down the aisle on Ethel's arm that I really pitied him. Afterward at the breakfast I told Sir Charles Wigge how much sympathy I felt for his Grace, and he polished up his monocle and inspected me. 'Mrs. Jornigan,' he said--I think that is what he called me--'the Duchess of Nocastle is one of the loveliest women I have ever known. You must remember, when you speak of her, that she is an English peeress.' But still, Pearl, I could not help thinking how much better it would have looked if the Duke had died and Captain Lord Fitznit had succeeded him and you had taken him, and he had put on his Guards uniform, and you had the same bridesmaids and ushers, and the two of you----