that inspired young Plymouth Brother,
was solemn as a judge. As for Annie, I would give a considerable
amount, at this moment, to know what she thought of it. But she
stepped very lightly and easily, and I am not sure I ever enjoyed a
waltz so much. The blue light--that bewitching, intoxicating blue
light--paled on us as we danced. The grey conquered it, and I felt
that when we looked at each other the whole absurdity would strike
us, and I should never be able to face these lovers again without a
furious blush. As the day crept on, I stole a glance at Tubal Cain.
He was scraping away desperately--_with his eyes shut_. For us the
dance had become weariness, but we went on and on. We were afraid to
halt.

Suddenly a string of the violin snapped. We stopped, and I saw Tubal
Cain's hand pointing eastward. A golden ripple came dancing down the
creek, and, at the head of the combe beyond, the sun's edge was
mounting.

"Morning!" said the bridegroom.

"It's all done," said Annie, holding out a hand to me, without
looking up. "And thank you, sir."

"We danced through the grey," I answered; and that was all I could
find to say, as I stepped towards the ladder.

Half an hour later as I looked out of the window before getting into bed
I saw in the sunlight a boat moving down the creek towards the town.
Tubal Cain was rowing, and Annie sat in the stern. She had changed
her gown.

They have been just an ordinary couple ever since, and attend their
chapel regularly. Sometimes Annie comes over to make me an omelet;
and, as a matter of fact, she is now in the kitchen. But not a word
has ever been spoken between us about her honeymoon.

II.--THESE-AN'-THAT'S WIFE.

In the matter of These-an'-That himself, public opinion in Troy is
divided. To the great majority he appears scandalously careless of
his honour; while there are just six or seven who fight with a
suspicion that there dwells something divine in the man.

To reach the town from my cottage I have to cross the Passage Ferry,
either in the smaller boat which Eli pulls single-handed, or (if a
market-cart or donkey, or drove of cattle be waiting on the slip)
I must hang about till Eli summons his boy to help him with the
horse-boat. Then the gangway is lowered, the beasts are driven on
board, the passengers follow at a convenient distance, and the long
sweeps take us slowly across the tide. It was on such a voyage, a
few weeks after I settled in