But after all
Douglas was the center of attraction. Mr. Polk escorted Mrs. Clayton to
the wedding breakfast, and Douglas took in Mrs. Rutledge, an aunt of
Dorothy's.
So we were married, and I was happy. I had found a wife and I had found
a mother. Douglas departed, promising to see me in Chicago soon. The
guests went their way. I was here with Dorothy, with Mrs. Clayton,
Mammy, and Jenny.
There is something good for the soul in being for an hour, even if for
an hour only, the central thought of every one; in having one's wishes
and happiness the chief consideration of interested friends. And here
were Mammy and Jenny, who had no thought but to serve me and Dorothy;
here was Mrs. Clayton, who strove so gently to attend to my wants,
whatever they were, to put herself at the disposal of these first hours
of Dorothy's new life and mine. Mose was at the door with the horses and
the carriage, loaned by his master, to drive us into the country and
over the Cumberland hills. Mrs. Rutledge lingered a while in evident
admiration of me, and with happy tears for the radiant delight which
shone in Dorothy's face.
We set forth with old Mose, who was talking and pointing out to me the
places of interest, the hills, the huts, the houses which were
associated with stories or personalities of the neighborhood.
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