Chapter 7 - Page 2

spacious, handsome rooms would give
to her queenly figure and walk the space and background that was most
charming and effective.

In about a year after Harry's marriage it was completely finished and
furnished; then John Hatton and Jane Harlow were married in London at
Lord Harlow's residence. Harry's invitation did not include his wife,
and John explained that it was impossible for him to interfere about the
people Lord and Lady Harlow invited to their house or did not invite. "I
wish the affair was over," he exclaimed, "for no matter who is there I
shall miss you, Harry."

"And Lucy?"

"Yes; but I will tell you what will be far better. Suppose you and Lucy
run over to Paris and see the new paintings in the Salon--and all the
other sights?"

"I cannot afford it, John."

"The affording is my business. I will find the guineas, Harry. You know
that. And Lucy will not have to spend them in useless extravagant
dress."

"All right, John! You are a good brother, and you know how to heal a
slight."

So John's marriage took place without his brother's presence, and John
missed him and had a heartache about it. Subsequently he told his mother
so, upon which the Lady of Hatton Manor answered,

"Harry managed very well to do without either mother or brother at his
own wedding. You know that, John; and I was none sorry to miss him at
yours. When you have to take a person you love with a person you don't
love, it is like taking a spoonful of bitterness with a spoonful of
jelly after it. I never could tell which spoonful I hated the worst."

After the marriage John and his wife came directly to their own home.
John could not leave his mill and his business, and Lord and Lady Harlow
considered his resolution a wise proceeding. Jane was also praised for
her ready agreement to her husband's business exigencies. But really the
omission of the customary wedding-journey gave Jane no disappointment.
To take possession of her splendid home, to assume the social
distinction it gave her, and to be near to the mother she idolized were
three great compensations, superseding abundantly the doubtful pleasures
of railway travel and sightseeing.

Jane's mother had caused a pleasant surprise at her daughter's wedding,
for the past year's efforts at Harlow House had amply proved Mrs.
Harlow's executive abilities in its profitable management; and she was
so sure of this future result that she did not hesitate to buy a rich
and fashionable wedding-garment or to bring to the light once more the
beautiful pearls she had worn at her own bridal. There were indeed few
ladies at John's wedding more effectively gowned