Mrs. Dodd opened a drawer and took out three pieces of worked
Indian muslin, a little discoloured by hoarding: "There, that must be
bleached and make you some wrappers for the honeymoon, if the weather is
at all fine; and petticoats to match;" next an envelope consisting of two
foolscap sheets tacked: this, carefully undone upon the bed revealed a
Brussels lace flounce and a veil: "It was my own," said Mrs. Dodd softly.
"I saved it for you; see here is your name written on it seventeen years
ago. I thought 'this dear little toddler will have wings some day, and
then she will leave me.' But now I am almost afraid to let you wear it;
it might bring you misfortune: suppose after years of wedded love you
should be bereaved of----" Mrs. Dodd choked, and Julia's arms were round
her neck in a moment.
"I'll risk it," cried she impetuously. "If it but makes me as beloved as
you are, I'll wear it, come weal come woe! And then I shall feel it over
me at the altar like my guardian angel's wings, my own sweet, darling
mamma. Oh what an idiot, what a wretch I am, to leave you at all.
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