far advanced in years, had shown hitherto no decline of his faculties or strength, was now seized with a slow lingering fever, which did not allow him to leave his bed. At length, however, he began to get better, and a day was appointed for the betrothing. Yet, as if some supernatural influence were exerted to prevent this, the clergyman, on the morning agreed on, was again attacked with such nervous weakness, that it was impossible for him to quit his own house; he therefore sent a message, to say that they should choose another priest for the ceremony. The parents, however, insisted obstinately on their proposal that they would have no other clergyman, and, doubtless, would have been spared much grief afterwards if they had never departed from this resolution. The banquet and other festivities had meanwhile been arranged so far, that they could not be interrupted, and fell to be looked on as a confirmation of the lovers being solemnly betrothed. Already, at an early hour in the morning, the gondoliers, in their gayest apparel, were in waiting, and a brilliant party, with bands of music, all rejoicing in confident expectations, set out on their voyage to the bride’s
