The dress in which Maud should be married gave her thoughts constant
occupation, and she fretted at any opposition to her ideas. Still,
like a child, she allowed herself to be brought round to others'
views, and was ultimately led to consent that the costume should be
a very simple one, merely a new dress, in fact, which Maud would be
able to wear subsequently with little change. Even thus, every
detail of it was as important to her as if it had been the most
elaborate piece of bridal attire. In talking with Maud, too, she had
lost that kind of awe which had formerly restrained her; it was as
though she had been an affectionate mother ever since her daughter's
birth. She called her by pet names, often caressed her, and wished
for loving words and acts in return. Of Miss Bygrave's presence in
the house she appeared scarcely conscious, never referring to her,
and suffering a vague trouble if her sister entered the room where
she was, which Theresa did very seldom.
The new dress had come home finished this evening whilst Maud was
away. On the latter's return, her mother insisted on seeing her at
once in it, and Maud obeyed. A strange bride, rather as one who was
about to wed herself to Heaven beneath the veil, than preparing to
be led to the altar.
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