h my
twentieth,--for this formal reverence to her parents,--for handing a
flower from my nosegay of compliments to every lady that crosses the
room,--for waiting to receive the tide of new-comers as wave after
wave rushes over me, and then turning to give orders that their
servants and horses may each have a full trough and pail set before
them."

"That is a watch that goes of its own accord;" answered Roderick.
"Only look at your house! it was just built for such an occasion: and
your head-butler, with his right hand taking up at the same time that
his left hand is setting down, and one leg running north while the
other seems to be making for south, was begotten and born for the very
purpose of putting confusion in order. He would set my brains to
rights if he could get at 'em: were the whole city to come, he would
find room for all; and he'll make your hospitality the proverb of
fifty miles round. Leave all such matters to him, and to your lovely
bride; and where will you find so sweet a lightener of this world's
cares?"

"This morning before sunrise," said Emilius, "I was walking through
the wood; my thoughts were solemnly tuned; I felt to the bottom of my
soul that my life is now taking a determinate cast, that it is become
a serious thing, and that this passion has created me a home and a
calling. In passing by that arbour yonder I heard sounds: it was my
beloved in close conversation. 'Has not it turned out now as I told
you?' said a strange voice; 'just as I knew it would turn out? You
have got your wish; so cheer up and be merry.' I did not like to go in
to them: as I came back I walkt nearer to the arbour; they had both
left it. But I have been musing and musing ever since, what can these
words mean?"

Roderick answered: "Perhaps she may have been in love with you this
long time without your knowing it: this should make you all the
happier."

A late nightingale now lifted up her song, and seemed to be wishing
the lover health and bliss. Emilius sank still deeper in thought.

"Come with me to clear up your spirits," said Roderick, "down to the
village, where you will find another couple; for you must not fancy
that yours is the only wedding on which today's sun is to shine. A
young clown, finding his time lag heavily in the house with an ugly
old maid, for want of something better to do did what makes the booby
think himself bound in honour to turn her into his wife. They must
both be drest out by this t