The Barretts of Wimpole Street Page #5

Bella, dear.

What's this I hear, engaged ?

Yes.

I just had to run right over and tell you.

Well, congratulations, dear.

Isn't it too thrilling ?

Harry couldn't come, but I'll bring him next time.

May I ? Oh, you'll love Harry.

I'm sure we shall. Harry who ?

Harry Bevan.

Oh, Henrietta, the very person !

I want want you to be one of my bridesmaids.

Bridesmaid ?

Yes, you simply must.

Cousin Bella's engaged. She's going to be married.

I want you te be a bridesmaid.

Oh, yes, it's your wedding. Thank you.

It's going to be a great big wedding.

Twelve bridesmaids.

You must help me to pick out the dresses.

And I'm going to wear mother's wedding veil.

Don't you just love weddings, Henrietta ?

Yes, I love weddings.

And we're going to Paris on our honeymoon.

And then to Rome.

And then we're going to take the dearest, sweetest little house.

It'll be just too thrilling for words.

And I'll be so happy to have you for a bridesmaid.

Thank you, Bella.

Of course, I'd love to if papa...

Oh, I don't see how he can possibly object.

Object ? Isn't she funny, Ba ?

You're only being asked to be a bridesmaid,

not a bride.

Yes, I know, Bella. Oh, it's so hard to explain.

What's the matter ?

You know what's the matter.

It's simply that nothing at all can happen without papa's assention.

We've got to obey his least will.

We can't move hand or foot without his permission.

We haven't got a soul of our own, not one of us.

Henrietta !

Or have we ? Have we, Ba ?

I tell you, Bella. He'll more than likely refuse

to let me be your bridesmaid...

... and just because he's in a beastly temper.

Oh, gracious, cousin Henrietta,

you mustn't say such things about uncle Edward.

And I'm afraid we're disturbing poor dear cousin Elizabeth.

Poor, Ba. So pale, so fragile, so wisteria.

One has only to see your dear face

to know how near you are to heaven.

I wouldn't quite say that, Bella.

Oh, yes, you always have a look in your eyes...

... as if you already saw the angels.

I really must be going.

Goodbye. I'll come again and bring Harry.

Yes, do.

Oh, you mustn't tell anybody about my getting married.

It's to be a big surprise.

And don't worry, cousin Henrietta. I'll manage uncle Edward.

Men are really so easy to manage.

If you just know how.

But, of course, you girls have had so little experience.

Goodbye, dear, dear cousins.

Well, why don't you say something ?

What do you want me to say ?

Nothing.

Oh, Ba, darling. Don't disown me.

I deserve it, I know.

But I couldn't help it.

I'm so miserable.

Miserable, dear ?

Yes, and so wildly happy.

Oh, Ba, darling. Do you mind if I tell you about it ?

I oughtn't to, I know...

... because if papa ever found out you knew about it

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