Carolyn Wells

Patty's Summer Days Carolyn Wells

At last the wedding day arrived, and a brighter or more sunshiny day could not have beenasked for by the most exacting of brides. It was to be an evening wedding, but from early in the morning there was a constantsuccession of exciting events. The last touches were being put to the decorations, belatedpresents were coming in, house guests were arriving, messengers coming and going, andthrough it all Mrs. Allen bustled about, supremely happy in watching the culminatingsuccess of her elaborate plans. Patty looked at her with a wondering admiration, for shealways admired capability, and Mrs. Allen was exhibiting what might almost be calledgeneralship in her house that day. Of course, Patty had no care or responsibility, and nothing to do but enjoy herself, so shedid this thoroughly. In the morning Marian and Frank Elliott came. They were staying at the Barlows', and Mr. Fairfield was staying there too. It sometimes seemed to Patty that her father ought to have played a more prominent partin all the preliminary festivities, but Mrs. Allen calmly told her, in Mr. Fairfield's presence, that a bridegroom had no part in wedding affairs until the time of the ceremony itself. Mr. Fairfield laughed good-humouredly, and replied that he was quite satisfied to be leftout of the mad rush, until the real occasion came. Like Nan, Mr. Fairfield would have preferred a quiet wedding, but Mrs. Allen utterly refusedto hear of such a thing. Nan was her only daughter, and this her only chance to arrange anentertainment such as her soul delighted in. Mr. Allen was willing to indulge his wife in herwishes, and was exceedingly hospitable by nature. Moreover, he took great pride in hischarming daughter, and wanted everything done that could in any way contribute to thesuccess or add to the beauty of her wedding celebration. Patty fluttered around the house in a sort of inconsequent delight. Now in the presentroom, looking over the beautiful collection, now chatting with her cousins, or other friends, now strolling through the great parlours with their wonderful decorations of banked rosesand garland-draped ceiling