Page:Life's little ironies (1894).pdf/246

limp and sober enough now, and his bride pale and cold, but otherwise aa usual,

“'What,’ says the pa’son, with a grest breath of relief, ‘ you haven't been here ever since?'

“Yes, we have, sir!’ says the bride, sinking down upon a seat in her weakness. “Not a morsel, wet or dry, have we had since! It was imposible to get out without help, and here we've stayed.’

“But why didn’t you shout, good souls? said the pa'son.

‘She wouldn’t let me,’ aaye Andrey.

“'Because we were so ashamed at what had led to it,’sobs Jane. ‘We felt that if it were noised abroad it would cling to us ali our lives! Once or twice Andrey had a good mind to toll the bell, but then he said : “No; I'll starve first. I won't bring disgrace on my name and yours, my dear.” And so we waited, and waited, and walked round and round; but never did you come till now !’

“'To my regret!’ says the pa’son. ‘Now, then, we will soon get it over.’

"'I—I should like some victuals,’ said Andrey; “twould gie me courage if it is only a ornst o’ bread and a’ onion ; for I am that leery that I can feel my stomach rubbing against my backbone.’

"'I think we had better get it done," said the bride, a bit anxious in manner; ‘since we are all here convenient, too.’

“Andrey gave way about the victuals, and the clerk calied in a secoud witness who wouldn't be likely to gossip about it, and soon the knot was tied, and the bride looked smiling and calm forthwith, and Andrey limper than ever.

"'Now,’ said Pa’son Toogood, ‘you two must come to my house, and have a good lining put to your insides before you go a step farther.’