The rector took the place of Elizabeth's father, and a
neighboring clergyman performed the ceremony. Most of the surrounding
families were present in the church, and with this courtesy Elizabeth
was quite satisfied. Immediately after the marriage they left for
Liverpool, and when they arrived at Richard's home it was in the time
of orange blooms and building birds, as he had desired it should be,
six years before.
But one welcome which they would gladly have heard was wanting. Bishop
Elliott had removed, and no other preacher had taken his place in
Richard's home. This was caused, however, by the want of some womanly
influence as a conductor. It was Phyllis who had brought the kindred
souls together, and made pleasant places for them to walk and talk
in. Phyllis had desired very much to meet Elizabeth, on her advent
into her American life, but the time had been most uncertain, and so
many other duties held the wife and mother and mistress, that it had
been thought better to defer the pleasure till it could be more
definitely arranged. And then, after all, it was Elizabeth that went to
see Phyllis.
One day Richard came home in a hurry.
"Elizabeth! I am going to Texas--to Austin. Suppose you and Harry go
with me. We will give Phyllis a surprise."
"But housekeepers don't like surprises, Richard.
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