The marriage took place at Plumstead, and on the morning of the
day Lord Dumbello posted over from Barchester to the rectory. The
ceremony was performed by the archdeacon, without assistance,
although the dean, and the precentor, and two other clergymen, were
at the ceremony. Griselda's propriety of conduct was quite equal to
that of Olivia Proudie; indeed, nothing could exceed the statuesque
grace and fine aristocratic bearing with which she carried herself
on the occasion. The three or four words which the service required
of her she said with ease and dignity; there was neither sobbing
nor crying to disturb the work or embarrass her friends, and she
signed her name in the church books as "Griselda Grantly" without a
tremor--and without a regret.
Mrs. Grantly kissed her and blessed her in the hall as she was about
to step forward to her travelling carriage leaning on her father's
arm, and the child put up her face to her mother for a last whisper.
"Mamma," she said, "I suppose Jane can put her hand at once on the
moire antique when we reach Dover?" Mrs. Grantly smiled and nodded,
and again blessed her child. There was not a tear shed--at least, not
then--nor a sign of sorrow to cloud for a moment the gay splendour
of the day.
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