on the other hand, was overflowing with delight, and his high spirits seemed contagious, for all the wedding guests laughed with him. Even His Eminence the Archbishop of Tenos and Syra, who had blessed the double marriage, was jovial with the rest, and showed his learning by wishing the happy couples joy in a line from Homer:
"Σοὶ δὲ θεοὶ τόσα δοῖευ, ὅσα φρεσί σῇσί μενονᾶς.
"Thine own wish may the Gods give thee in every place."
To which Mr. Plateas replied majestically:
"Εἶς οἰωνὸς ἄμύνεσθαι περὶ πάτρης.
"The best omen is to battle for one's native land!"
After the wedding, the judge obtained three months' leave, and took his bride for a visit to his old home among his kinsfolk.
How eagerly their return was awaited, and how delighted the sisters were to be together again! The old father trembled with joy.
When the two brothers-in-law were alone, each saw his own happiness reflected in the other's face.
"Well, did I exaggerate when I sang your wife's praises?" asked Mr. Liakos.
"She 's a treasure, my dear friend!" cried Mr. Plateas,—"a perfect treasure! In a few months," he went on, "I shall have a new favor to ask of you. I want you to stand as godfather to your nephew."
"What! You too!"
"And you?"
