these important transactions
wished for the assistance of Nanny Eydent, transmits to Miss Mally
Glencairn a box containing all the requisite bridal recognisances for our
Irvine friends. I need not say that the best is for the faithful
companion of my happiest years. As I had made a vow in my heart that
Becky Glibbans should never wear gloves for my marriage, I was averse to
sending her any at all, but my mother insisted that no exceptions should
be made. I secretly took care, however, to mark a pair for her, so much
too large, that I am sure she will never put them on. The asp will be
not a little vexed at the disappointment. Adieu for a time, and believe
that, although your affectionate Rachel Pringle be gone that way in which
she hopes you will soon follow, one not less sincerely attached to you,
though it be the first time she has so subscribed herself, remains in

RACHEL SABRE.

Before the ladies had time to say a word on the subject, the prudent
young clergyman called immediately on Mr. Micklewham to read the letter
which he had received from the Doctor; and which the worthy dominie did
without delay, in that rich and full voice with which he is accustomed to
teach his scholars elocution by example.

LETTER XXXII

_The Rev. Z. Pringle_, _D.D._, _to Mr. Micklewham_, _Schoolmaster and
Session-Clerk_, _Garnock_
LONDON.

Dear Sir--I have been much longer of replying to your letter of the 3rd
of last month, than I ought in civility to have been, but really time, in
this town of London, runs at a fast rate, and the day passes before the
dark's done. What with Mrs. Pringle and her daughter's concernments,
anent the marriage to Captain Sabre, and the trouble I felt myself
obliged to take in the queen's affair, I assure you, Mr. Micklewham, that
it's no to be expressed how I have been occupied for the last four weeks.
But all things must come to a conclusion in this world. Rachel Pringle
is married, and the queen's weary trial is brought to an end--upon the
subject and motion of the same, I offer no opinion, for I made it a point
never to read the evidence, being resolved to stand by THE WORD from the
first, which is clearly and plainly written in the queen's favour, and it
does not do in a case of conscience to stand on trifles;