 room,
to whom I communicated my doubts. His opinion was, that as my son was already
possessed of a very affluent fortune by his marriage, I might accept his offer
without any hesitation. His business, however, was to inform me that as he had
the night before sent for the licences, and expected them every hour, he hoped
that I would not refuse my assistance in making all the company happy that
morning. A footman entered while we were speaking, to tell us that the messenger
was returned, and as I was by this time ready, I went down, where I found the
whole company as merry as affluence and innocence could make them. However, as
they were now preparing for a very solemn ceremony, their laughter entirely
displeased me. I told them of the grave, becoming and sublime deportment they
should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a
thesis of my own composing, in order to prepare them. Yet they still seemed
perfectly refractory and ungovernable. Even as we were going along to church, to
which I led the way, all gravity had quite forsaken them, and I was often
tempted to turn back in indignation. In church a new dilemma arose, which
promised no easy solution. This was, which couple should be married first; my
son's bride warmly insisted, that Lady Thornhill, (that was to be) should take
the lead; but this the other refused with equal ardour, protesting she would not
be guilty of such rudeness for the world. The argument was supported for some
time between both with equal obstinacy and good breeding. But as I stood all
this time with my book ready, I was at last quite tired of the contest, and
shutting it, »I perceive,« cried I, »that none of you have a mind to be married,
and I think we had as good go back again; for I suppose there will be no
business done here to-day.« - This at once reduced them to reason. The Baronet
and his Lady were first married, and then my son and his lovely partner.
    I had previously that morning given orders that a coach should be sent for
my honest neighbour Flamborough and his family, by which means, upon our return
to the inn, we had the pleasure of finding the two Miss Flamboroughs alighted
before us. Mr. Jenkinson gave his hand to the eldest, and my son Moses led up
the other; (and I have since found that he has taken a real liking to the girl,
and my consent and bounty
