CHAPTER XXVI

tesilkandtulleveilandorange-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. “Whatanicewaytogetmarried!”BarneywassayingasheputLadyJaneingear.“Nofussandflub-dub.Ineversupposeditwashalfsoeasy.” “Forheaven’ssake,”saidValancysuddenly,“let’sforgetwearemarriedandtalkasifweweren’t.Ican’tstandanotherdriveliketheonewehadcomingin.” BarneyhowledandthrewLadyJaneintohighwithaninfernalnoise. “AndIthoughtIwasmakingiteasyforyou,”hesaid.“Youdidn’tseemtowanttotalk.” “Ididn’t.ButIwantedyoutotalk.Idon’twantyoutomakelovetome,butIwantyoutoactlikeanordinaryhumanbeing.Tellmeaboutthisislandofyours.Whatsortofaplaceisit?” “Thejolliestplaceintheworld.You’regoingtoloveit.ThefirsttimeIsawitIlovedit.OldTomMacMurrayowneditthen.Hebuiltthelittleshackonit,livedthereinwinterandrentedittoTorontopeopleinsummer.Ibou