It was the most complete, un-
mitigated, soul-fraught little piece of earnestness that
ever you beheld in all your days.
You may be sure the Carrier was in a state of per-
fect rapture; and you may be sure Dot was likewise;
and you may be sure they all were, incluslve of Miss
Slowboy, who wept copiously for joy, and wishing
to include her younger charge in the general inter-
change of congratulations, handed round the Baby
to everybody in succession, as if it were something to
drink.
But, now, the sound of wheels was heard again out-
aide the door; and somebody exclaimed that Gruff and
Tackleton was coming back. Speedily that worthy
gentleman appeared, looking warm and flustered.
'Why, what the Devil's this, John Peerybingle.'
said Tackleton. 'There's some mistake. I appointed
Mrs. Tackleton to meet me at the church, and I'll
swear I passed her on the road, on her way here.
Oh! here she is! I beg your pardon, sir; I haven't
the pleasure of knowing you; but if you can do me
the favour to spare this young lady, she has rather a
particular engagement this morning.
Pages:
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151