lf, as father of
the bride."

"Why, Doctor, what the deuce is the matter with you? Am not I Sir Thomas
Gourlay?"

The Doctor put up his spectacles on his forehead, and looking at him
more closely, exclaimed,

"Upon my word, and so you are. I beg your pardon, Sir Thomas, but with
respect to this dejeuner--homily, I would say--its enunciation here is
exceedingly appropriate, and it is but short, and will not occupy more
than about half-an-hour, or three-quarters, which is only a brief space
when the happiness of a whole life is concerned. Well, my children, I
was speaking about this _dejuner_," he proceeded; "the time, as I said,
will not occupy more than half-an-hour, or probably three-quarters;
and, indeed, if our whole life were as agreeably spent--I refer now
especially to married life--its tribulations would not--"

Here he was left once more in his tribulations, for as he uttered the
last word, Gibson returned, pronouncing in a distinct but respectful
voice, "The Earl of Cullamore;" and that nobleman, leaning upon the arm
of his confidential servant, Morty O'Flaherty, immediately entered the
room.

His venerable look, his feeble state of health, but, above all his
amiable character, well known as it was for everything that was
honorable and benevolent, produced the effect which might be expected.
All who were not standing, immediately rose up to do him reverence and
honor. He inclined his head in token of acknowledgment, but even before
the baronet had time to address him, he said,

"Sir Thomas Gourlay, has this marriage yet taken place?"

"No, my lord," replied Sir Thomas, "and I am glad it has not. Your
lordship's presence is a sanction and an honor which, considering your
state of ill-health, is such as we must all duly appreciate. I am
delighted to see you here, my lord; allow me to help your lordship to a
seat."

"I thank you, Sir Thomas," replied his lordship; "but before I take a
seat, or before you proceed further in this business, I beg to have some
private conversation with you."

"With infinite pleasure, my lord," replied the baronet. "Dr. Sombre,
whilst his lordship and I are speaking, you may as well go on with the
ceremony. When it is necessary, call me, and I shall give the bride
away."

"Dr. Sombre," said his lordship, "do not proceed with the ceremony,
until I shall have spoken to Miss Gourlay's father. If it be necessary
that I should speak more plainly, I say, I forbid the banns. You