elaborately carried out, began again, for here were all the farmers of
the hunt, of which Tristram was a great supporter, on horseback; and the
cheering and waving knew no end. The cavalcade of mounted men followed
them round outside the Norman tower and to the great gates in the
smaller one, where the portcullis had been.

Here all the village children were, and the old women from the
almshouse, in their scarlet frieze cloaks and charming black bonnets;
and every sort of wish for their happiness was shouted out. "Bless the
beautiful bride and bring her many little lords and ladies, too," one
old body quavered shrilly, above the din, and this pleasantry was
greeted with shouts of delight. And for that second Tristram dropped his
lady's hand as though it had burnt him, and then, recollecting himself,
picked it up again. They were both pale with excitement and emotion,
when they finally reached the hall-door in the ugly, modern Gothic wing
and were again greeted by all the household servants in rows, two of
them old and gray-haired, who had stayed on to care for things when the
house had been shut up. There was Michelham back at his master's old
home, only promoted to be groom of the chambers, now, with a smart
younger butler under him.

Tristram was a magnificent orderer, and knew exactly how things ought to
be done.

And the stately housekeeper, in her black silk, stepped forward, and in
the name of herself and her subordinates, bade the new mistress welcome,
and hoping she was not fatigued, presented her with a bouquet of white
roses. "Because his lordship told us all, when he was here making the
arrangements, that your ladyship was as beautiful as a white rose!"