ther by her word nor gesture appeared to accede to or refuse his
request; and her father, after complacently bowing, as if to thank her
for her acquiescence, said,

"I think, Dr. Sombre, we require your services; the parties are
assembled and willing, and the ceremony had better take place."

Thomas Corbet had been standing at a front window, and Alley Mahon, on
hearing the baronet's words, instantly changed her position to the front
of Lucy, as if she intended to make a spring between her and Dunroe, as
soon as the matter should come to a crisis.

In the meantime Dr. Sombre advanced with his book, and Lord Dunroe was
led over by Roberts to take his position opposite the bride, when a
noise of carriage-wheels was heard coming rapidly along, and stopping
as rapidly at the hall door. In an instant a knock that almost shook the
house, and certainly startled some of the females, among whom was the
unhappy bride herself, was heard at the hall door, and the next moment
Thomas Corbet hurried out of the room, as if to see who had arrived,
instantly followed by Gibson.

Dr. Sombre, who now stood with his finger between the leaves of his
book, where its frequent pressure had nearly obliterated the word
"obedience" in the marriage ceremony, said,

"My dear children, it is a custom of mine--and it is so because I
conceive it a duty--to give you a few preliminary words of advice, a
little homily, as it were, upon the nature of the duties into which you
are about to enter."

This intimation was received with solemn silence, if we except the word
"Attention!" which proceeded in a respectful and earnest, but subdued
tone from old Sam. The Doctor looked about him a little startled, but
again proceeded,

"Marriage, my children, may be divided into three heads: first,
its duties; next, its rights; and lastly, its tribulations. I place
tribulations last, my children, because, if it were not for its
tribulations--"

"My good friend," said Sir Thomas, with impatience, "we will spare you
the little homily you speak of, until after the ceremony. I dare say it
is designed for married life and married people; but as those for whose
especial advantage you are now about to give it are not man and wife
yet, I think you had better reserve it until you make them so. Proceed,
Doctor, if you please, with the ceremony."

"I have not the pleasure of knowing you, sir," replied the Doctor; "I
shall be guided here only by Sir Thomas Gourlay himse