in Dancy was so entirely his devoted friend, that he gladly gave
him the advantage of his superior parts, in return for various favours
which Miss Simpson also aided in conferring.

Captain Dancy is a tall, fashionable-looking man, with what Miss Simpson
and her mamma consider a splendid figure. 'And such a lovely moustache!'
Miss Simpson usually adds with a sigh. The moustache and hair are,
however, inclined to red, and the face within them is not unlike that of
a fox. Perhaps some of his friends might be surprised if they found him
in the present company; but he would do anything to oblige Simpson and
Jenkins, who are, in turn, always at his service, in more ways than one.

After a little preliminary conversation, Mr Simpson offers Netta his
arm; and followed by the rest of the bridal party, leads the way
downstairs. A smart little liveried page is at the door, and two fine
carriages are in the street, each with its horses and coachman
ornamented with bridal favours.

'We cannot make all our arrangements' as I could wish, whispers Howel
to Miss Simpson, 'owing to circumstances; or I should have met you at
the church from another house.'

Netta, Mr Simpson, and the two ladies are in the first carriage, which
soon arrives at St James's Church, followed by the other. How the
bouquet in Netta's hand trembles, as she takes Mr Simpson's arm, and
walks with him up the steps, and finally through the centre aisle to the
altar! She has never been in a London church before, and the varied
colours of that magnificent painted window strike her with wonder even
now.

Netta turns very pale as she stands by the altar, and waits until Howel
comes up. Sir John whispers some kindly words, which so forcibly remind
her of her father, that she can scarcely repress her tears. She glances
at Howel, as he stands opposite, gazing at her, and sees that his
handsome face is calm and determined. He smiles as she looks at him,
which reassures her. A prettier bride could never stand before an altar;
Howel feels this and is satisfied. And Netta has loved her cousin all
her life, and thinks him perfect. She can truly say that she leaves
father, mother, all for him.

And these are the feelings with which they receive the first words of
the earnest-spoken grey-haired priest, who tells them that they are
assembled in the sight of God, to be joined indissolubly together.

Netta once read through the marriage service years ago. She had
forgotten i