ked down the centre aisle and took their
places before the clergyman. Again the solemn words were spoken, and
this time the spectators felt sure that the double couple would leave
the church by the silken pathway.

But no; again were cheers and shouts from the outside borne to the
excited spectators within. Once more the sexton sent out pleasing tones
from the church bell; once more the Professor evoked those melodious
strains from the sweet-toned organ; and as Samuel Hill and his wife took
their seats in the front pew beside Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Pettengill, the
excitement of the audience could no longer be controlled. It overcame
all restraint, and as Hiram Maxwell and Mandy Skinner entered, the
people arose to their feet and cheered loudly, as they would have done
at a political meeting or a circus.

Again, and for the last time, the Rev. Mr. Howe went through the
time-honored ceremony, and at its close Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Pettengill,
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hill, and Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Maxwell left the church
by way of the right-hand aisle, preceded by the ushers, who strewed the
aisle with white roses as they advanced, and were followed by the
occupants of the second bridal pew.

As Quincy rode over to Eastborough Centre with his Aunt Ella, after
partaking of the wedding breakfast, which was served in Deacon Mason's
dining-room, she remarked to him that the events of the day had been
most enjoyable, and that she didn't know, after all, but that she should
change her mind about getting married again.

When asked by Quincy if she had seen any one whom she thought would
suit her for a second husband, she replied that "Mr. Isaac Pettengill
was a very well-preserved old gentleman, and the most original man in
thought and speech that she had met since Robert died."

Quincy did not inform her that Uncle Ike had a wife and two grown-up
daughters living, thinking it best to reserve that information for a
future occasion.

That night Strout & Maxwell's grocery store was the centre of
attraction. Strout was in his glory, and was, of course, in his own
opinion, the most successful feature of that eventful day. It was a very
common thing to get married, but it was a most uncommon thing to play on
a new church organ, and play as well as he had done, "for the first
time, too," as he remarked a score of times.

Stepping upon a barrel, the Professor called out in a loud voice,
"Order, please," and in a short time the assembled