body which I had endured, he pardoned me, saying, that if I was truly contrite, the object of his resolve to punish me, and all concerned in the late outrages-for they, alas! were, too true-was attained. It was a long time, however, before any of my companions took courage to return to their homes, and Harry Bluff never did. His end remains unknown; but a travelling pedlar circulated a report here that he heard him sentenced to banishment for life."

Upon arriving at this link in the chain of events, the narrator turned to Ned Terrywig, and observed, "Your father had good reason to remember my wedding-day, Ned."

"That he had," replied the Squire, laughing heartily.

"Indeed!" rejoined the yeoman.

never heard him mention any particular circumstance connected with it."

No," returned Tom Bright, "I dare
The elder Terrywig was always

say not.

very silent on that score."

"Tell them all about it, Tom," said Mis

tress Bright.

"I'm sure I could listen to

the charming delights of our wedding-day for ever."

"Perhaps, ma'am," replied the individual addressed as Peter Crummy, "it was the happiest of your life?"

"No, sir," rejoined Mistress Bright, with her face absolutely illuminated with smiles, "it was only the beginning of the happiest of my life."

This smart and complimentary retort occasioned much applause on the part of the company, and Tom Bright had some difficulty to restrain himself from kissing his good old wife then and there.

666

"Happy is the bride that the sun shines upon,' said Tom; "and if there's truth in the proverb," continued he, "there could never be a happier one than my Mary. It was a bright and beautiful morning, and the first of May. Birds trilled their early songs on twig and branch, and shook glistening dew-drops from every bough and spray. Bees hummed and butterflies flitted to the

maiden blossoms of the spring. There was joy in nature, joy in my heart, and joy in everything.

As we went on our way to church, and a goodly number of friends and neighbours joined us, red-faced, chubby-cheeked children scattered flowers before us, singing quaint rhymes for our welfare and happiness. Upon our return, the Squire met us, and invited all to partake of the wedding cheer in this very hall. Little expecting such an honour, and yet nothing loth to accept it, we turned our steps hither, and found that board," continued Tom, pointing to the blackened oak table on which the Christmas fare had a few hours since been disposed of, "squeaking and grunting under a load of as substantial and dainty dishes as it has done to-day.

Many kind words had been spoken, wishes expressed, and a general toast proposed to our health and fortune; and I was about making the best acknowledgment in my power, when who should walk in but your father, Ned Terrywig! I shall give no offence, I'm sure, by saying that he was