the last time that you have to obey
your father, so do not annoy me by a refusal."

"I will not, my dear father," replied Amy, kissing him. "Your last
command I obey with pleasure. And oh! if I have sometimes been a
wilful girl, forgive me every thing at this moment."

"My dear child, I have nothing to forgive. May God bless you; and, Mr.
Musgrave," said he, putting her hand in mine, "if she proves as good a
wife as she has been a daughter, you now receive a treasure," and I
felt that the old man stated what was true.

It was arranged that the marriage should take place on that day week,
and that it should be quite private. There was no parade of bridal
clothes; in fact, no one was invited, and it was at my request quite a
secret marriage. A clergyman had been engaged to perform the ceremony,
and, on the day appointed, I received the hand of my Amy in the
drawing-room, and in the presence only of Humphrey and two other
confidential servants.

After the ceremony was over, the clergyman requested me to come with
him into the adjoining room, and said, it was necessary that he should
give a certificate of the marriage, which must be inserted in the
parish register. He had called me aside for that purpose, that I might
give him my exact name, profession, &c.

"My name is Alexander Musgrave, as you have heard when you married
us."

"Yes, I know that, but I must be particular. Have you no other name?
Is that the name that you have been and will be in future known by?"

"Not exactly," replied I; "I have been known by that name, but in
future shall not be."

"Then what am I to say?"

"You must say, Sir Alexander Musgrave, Baronet, of Faristone Hall,
Cumberland."

"Good," said he, "that is what I required; and the lady your wife, has
she any other name but Amy?"

"None, I believe."

The clergyman then wrote out the marriage certificate, and signed it,
taking a copy for registry, and we returned into the drawing-room.

"Here is the certificate of marriage, Madam," said he; "it ought to be
in the care of the lady, and therefore, my lady, I hand it over to
you."

"My lady is much obliged to you for your kindness," replied Amy, for
she thought that the clergyman was only facetious.

She held the certificate in her hand folded as it had been given her
for some time. At last curiosity, or, perhaps, having nothing else to
do, induced her to open it and read it. I was at this time talking
with the clergyman, and pre