CHAPTER XXVI

edhislicense.Sohehadgotit.Alsoaring.Thisthingwasreal.She,ValancyStirling,wasactuallyonthepointofbeingmarried. TheywerestandinguptogetherbeforeMr.Towers.ValancyheardMr.TowersandBarneysayingthings.Sheheardsomeotherpersonsayingthings.Sheherselfwasthinkingofthewayshehadonceplannedtobemarried—awaybackinherearlyteenswhensuchathinghadnotseemedimpossible.Whitesilkandtulleveilandorange-blossomsnobridesmaid.Butoneflowergirl,inafrockofcreamshadowlaceoverpalepink,withawreathofflowersinherhair,carryingabasketofrosesandlilies-of-the-valley.Andthegroom,anoble-lookingcreature,irreproachablycladinwhateverthefashionofthedaydecreed.ValancyliftedhereyesandsawherselfandBarneyinthelittle,slanting,distortingmirroroverthemantelpiece.Sheinherodd,unbridalgreenhatanddressBarneyinshirtandoveralls.ButitwasBarney.Thatwasallthatmattered.Noveil—noflowers—noguests—nopresents—nowedding-cake—butjustBarney.ForalltherestofherlifetherewouldbeBarney. “Mrs.Snaith,Ihopeyouwillbeveryhappy,”Mr.Towerswassaying. Hehadnotseemedsurprisedattheirappearance—notevenatBarney’soveralls.Hehadseenplentyofqueerweddings“upback.”HedidnotknowValancywasoneoftheDeerwoodStirlings—hedidnotevenknowtherewereDeerwoodStirlings.HedidnotknowBarneySnaithwasafugitivefromjustice.Really,hewasanincrediblyignorantoldman.Thereforehemarriedthemandgavethemhisblessingverygentlyandsolemnlyandprayedforthemthatnightaftertheyhadgoneaway.Hisconsciencedidnottroublehimatall. “Whatanic