but she
was to see Mountjoy Scarborough if he came to Cheltenham. Florence
declared this to be impossible; but, as the Buston marriage took place
just at this moment, she could not have her way in everything. Joe drove
up to the church with Algy Soames, it not having been thought discreet
that he should enter the parsonage on that morning, though he had been
there nearly every day through the winter. "I declare, here he is!"
said Miss Thoroughbung, very loudly. "I never thought he'd have the
courage at the last moment."

"I wonder how a certain gentleman would have felt when it came to his
last moment," said Mr. Crabtree.

Mrs. Annesley took to weeping bitterly, which seemed to be unnecessary,
as she had done nothing but congratulate herself since the match had
first been made, and had rejoiced greatly that one of her numerous brood
should have "put into such a haven of rest."

"My dear Mrs. Annesley," said Mrs. Crabtree, consoling her in that she
would not be far removed from her child, "you can almost see the brewery
chimneys from the church tower." Those who knew the two ladies well were
aware that there was some little slur intended by the allusion to
brewery chimneys. Mrs. Crabtree's girl had married the third son of Sir
Reginald Rattlepate. The Rattlepates were not rich, and the third son
was not inclined to earn his bread.

"Thank God, yes!" said Mrs. Annesley, through her tears. "Whenever I
shall see them I shall know that there's an income coming out with the
smoke."

The boys were home from school for the occasion. "Molly, there's Joe
coming after you," said the elder.

"If he gives you a kiss now you needn't pretend to mind," said the
other.

"My darling, my own one, that so soon will be my own no longer!" said
the father, as he made his way into the vestry to put on his surplice.

"Dear papa!" It was the only word the bride said as she walked in at the
church-door, and prepared to make her way up the nave at the head of her
little bevy. They were all very bright, as they stood there before the
altar, but the brightest spot among them was Algy Soames's blue necktie.
Joe for the moment was much depressed, and thought nothing of the last
run in which he had distinguished himself; but nevertheless he held up
his head well as a man and a brewer.

"Dont'ee take on so," Miss Thoroughbung said to Mrs. Annesley at the
last moment. "He'll give her plenty to eat and to drink, and will never
do her a morsel