dence of----" Mr. Sopley lost the
thread of his discourse, and once more returned to his contemplation
of Mr. Hearty's ceiling. Bindle beat his fist on the table; but was
silenced by a "Husssssssh" from several of the guests.

"Marriages," continued Mr. Sopley, "marriages are made in heaven----"

"I knew you was goin' to say that, sir," broke in Bindle cheerfully.
"'Ere, stop it!" he yelled, stooping down to rub his shin. "Who's
a-kickin' me under the table?" he fixed a suspicious eye upon a
winter-worn spinster in a vieux rose satin blouse sitting opposite.

"Marriage is a thing of terrible solemnity," resumed Mr. Sopley, "not
to be entered upon lightly, or with earthly thoughts. It is symbolical
of many things, sometimes terrible things--("'Ere, 'ere!" interposed
Bindle)--but throughout all its vicissitudes, in spite of all earthly
woes, desolation, and despair, it should be remembered that there is
One above to Whom all prayers should be directed, and in Whom all hope
should be reposed.

"In the course of the long life that the Lord has granted me, I have
joined together in holy wedlock many young couples--("Shame!" from
Bindle, and a laugh from Mr. Dixon),--and I hope our young friends
here will find in it that meed of happiness which we all wish them."

In spite of the entire lack of conviction with which Mr. Sopley wished
the bridal pair happiness, he resumed his seat amidst murmurs of
approval. His words were too solemn to be followed by applause from
anyone save Bindle, who tapped the table loudly with the butt-end of
his knife. Everyone looked towards Charlie Dixon, who in turn looked
appealingly at Bindle.

Interpreting the glance to mean that Bindle contemplated replying,
Mrs. Bindle kicked him beneath the table.

"'Ere, who's kicking me on the shins again?" he cried as he rose. Mrs.
Bindle frowned at him. "Oh, it's you, is it?" he remarked. "Now,
Charlie, you see what's goin' to 'appen to you now you're married.
Been kickin' my shins all the mornin', she 'as, me with 'various'
veins in my legs too."

Bindle looked at Millie; it was obvious that she was on the point of
tears. Charlie Dixon was gazing down at her solicitously. Mr. Dixon
was clearly annoyed. At the conclusion of Mr. Sopley's address he had
cleared his throat impressively, as if prepared to enter the lists.
Mrs. Dixon gazed anxiously at her son. Mr. Hearty looked at Mrs.
Bindle. Mrs. Bindle's eyes were fixed on Bindle. Bindle rose
deli