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Bell, who further praised up Miss Hart, saying much about her beauty and her charms, and giving such a ravishing account of Bertram's love for her, and her adoration for him, that the neighbors who were on this side of the civil war crowned Josephine Hart as their chosen queen on the spot. Mrs. Butler, who led the van of the "Beatricites," was less voluble than Mrs.
In short, the two generals met opposite the front pews. There was a scramble for seats. The Beatricites and the Hartites got mixed up in the most confusing manner, and finally Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Bell found themselves side by side and crushed very close together in a small space. Some awful hours followed. Mrs. Butler deliberately placed her back to Mrs. Bell. Mrs. Bell talked at Mrs.
Round her face and mouth she had enveloped a black woollen shawl, but this was to be discarded presently. As the ladies walked to the church they were joined by several more Beatricites, and when at last they found themselves under the shadow of the old tower, and in the shelter of the ancient porch, they were quite a goodly company. "We'll just fill the front seats comfortably," said Mrs. Butler.
Sides were taken on the occasion, and the people of the town divided themselves pretty equally, and in an incredibly short time started a fierce sort of civil war. The "Beatricites," and the "Hartites," they were called, and the war of tongues between them became so fierce that long before Saturday night one party would not speak to another. Mrs. Bell was at the head of the Hartites, and Mrs.
In the excitement of the moment the Beatricites clasped the Hartites by the hands, Mrs. Bell's fat fingers rested on Mrs. Butler's shoulder. The bride! She had come. Beatrice would marry Loftus Bertram. The Beatricites would conquer. Slander would die. No, no. What was the matter? What was wrong? Was anything wrong? A girl dressed in shimmering bridal clothes was walking up the church.
This good woman, who led the army of the Beatricites, had now attained to all the airs of a victorious general. Her bonnet-strings were thrown back, her face was flushed, and her throat, conspicuous by the absence of her large white brooch, was bared to view. "Well, my friend," she said. "Well, the time is near." She took Mrs.
The Hartites and the Beatricites ceased to exist at the breakfast, or rather the whole community became Beatricites on the spot. Bertram took his bride away, and the town was very glad to think they might keep Beatrice Meadowsweet with them after all. Neither Mrs. Bertram nor Mrs. Meadowsweet were present at the wedding, but they met that evening, for Mrs.
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