And you couldn't see much of them, you
know, only the legs. Besides, consider what a wedding with cards and
cake would have meant in Bainbridge at this time. No second maid, no
proper cook! We should have appeared at a disadvantage in the eyes
of the whole town. As it is, we can take our time, engage competent
help, select a favorable date and give a reception which will be the
very last word in elegance."
"Yes! I could get--what am I talking about? Of course I shan't do
anything of the kind. How can you ask me to? Oh, Benis--a heathen!"
"Not a bit of it, Aunt. Church of England. But I can see what has
happened. You have been allowing old Bones to cloud your judgment. I
never knew a fellow so prone to jump to idiotic conclusions. No
doubt he heard that I had come in search of Indians and, without a
single inquiry, decided that I had married one."
"It was hasty of him. I admit that," said Aunt Caroline wiping her
eyes.
"But with your knowledge of my personal character you will
understand that my interest in, and admiration for, our aborigines
in their darker and wilder state--"
"John said they were only fairly wild."
"Well, even in a fairly wild state. Or indeed in a wholly tame one.
My interest at any time is purely scientific and would never lead me
to marry into their family circle. My wife's father, as a matter of
fact, is English. A professional man, retired, and living upon a
small--er--estate near Vancouver.
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