st.

In a general way, wedding breakfasts are not particularly lively affairs.
There is a mock hilarity about them that does not tend to true
cheerfulness, and those of the guests who are not occupied with graver
thoughts are probably thinking of the dyspepsia that comes after. But
this particular breakfast was an exception. For the first time since her
husband's unfortunate death, Lady Holmhurst seemed to have entirely
recovered her spirits and was her old self, and a very charming self it
was, so charming, indeed, that even James forgot his learning and the
responsibilities of his noble profession and talked, like an ordinary
Christian. Indeed, he even went so far as to pay her an elephantine
compliment; but as it was three sentences long, and divided into points,
it shall not be repeated here.

And then, at length, Dr. Probate rose to propose the bride's health; and
very nicely he did it, as might have been expected from a man with his
extraordinary familiarity with matrimonial affairs. His speech was quite
charming, and aptly sprinkled with classical quotations.

"I have often," he ended, "heard it advanced that all men are in reality
equally favoured by the Fates in their passage through the world. I have
always doubted the truth of that assertion, and now I am convinced of its
falsity. Mr. Eustace is a very excellent young man, and, if I may be
allowed to say so, a very good-looking young man; but what, I would ask
this assembled company, has Mr. Meeson done above the rest of men to
justify his supreme good fortune? Why should this young gentleman be
picked out from the multitude of young gentlemen to inherit two millions
of money, and to marry the most charming--yes, the most charming, the
most talented, and the bravest young lady that I have ever met--a young
lady who not only carries twenty fortunes on her face, but another
fortune in her brain, and his fortune on her neck--and such a fortune,
too! Sir"--and he bowed towards Eustace--

"'Lovely Thais sits beside thee,
Take the goods the gods provide thee.'

"I salute you, as all men must salute one so supremely favoured. Humbly,
I salute you; humbly I pray that you may continually deserve the almost
unparalleled good that it has pleased Providence to bestow upon you."

And then Eustace rose and made his speech, and a very good speech it was,
considering the trying circumstances under which it was made. He told
them how he had fallen in love with Augusta's