roared and laughed, and even the parson could not contain his laughter. As for myself, I have witnessed scenes in America, England and France; but I never saw anything, before or since, so ludicrous as was that scene. The parson, however, at last succeeded in joining the happy couple, and after partaking of refreshments, and, I expect, being well paid too, left.
After I had finished setting the table, I asked them to have me sent home, and they did so. Had I not received anything, I would have considered myself well paid by the scenes I witnessed there; but on leaving I was paid doubly, I may say trebly, more than I expected.
It was to such a place as I have described I expected to go when I consented to comb this other bride; but I was agreeably disappointed when, on reaching the place, I found everything in front of the house passable; the grounds around the house were extensive, and in pretty good order; the house itself was an ordinary-looking building, and had apparently been built for many years. The two parlors were neat and plain; they were lighted up in the old style of illuminations—candles, in little sockets, stuck here and there. The bride's room was furnished plainly, and, though it was in the spring of the year, a bright wood fire was burning on the hearth, on the old-fashioned iron andirons. Though the house was nothing compared with those I had been in the habit of visiting, it had to me a quaint, cheerful, country look, that reconciled me to its want of ornament. The appearance of the ladies was not in keeping with the house, as their dresses were rich and elegant. The bride's dress was silk, of the latest style; illusion vail,
