The Argosy — page 85: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

My Coustn Caroline's Wedding. 75 far as the Protestant ceremony went; and Mrs. Dr. Cram—as the aristocracy called her down there—was going to church in a bird-of- paradise feather. The doctor let this piece of news out to us in the openness of his heart. He was come in to gossip about the marriage ; and we discussed the programme of the ceremony. ‘“‘ Have you got the licence yet?” asked the doctor. “No,” said Fitzhenry ; “it’s coming.” “Special?” resumed Dr. Cram. “Of course.” The rector’s carriage was to lead the van, containing himself and Fitzhenry ; the bridegroom’s new travelling-chariot was to follow, with Alfred and Mrs. Cram; the Dashingly coach would go next, the bride, bridesmaid, aunt, and Sir Popperton Jeffs, the family uncle, inside ; and a string of several more would follow, conveying the general company. Immediately after the church-service, the necessary Catholic rites would be performed. Monday came, the day previous to the wedding, and Mr. Alfred Dashingly made his appearance in the morning. Foppish, and over- dressed as usual, he presented a striking contrast to Fitzhenry. Should Lina ever get worried into marrying him, thought I to myself, she is not the girl of sense I take her for. Alfred was in raptures with his brother-in-law-to-be ; but so he would have been with any rich man who walked off Caroline, were it only from the hope that he should succeed in doing a little with him in the borrowing line. He was especially affectionate to Lina—wanted to favour her with a chaste salute on his arrival—whether as a cousin or 2 lover he did not intimate—but Lina, with a dignified air and a haughty gesture, drew away from the proffered honour. ‘* How can.you make up your mind to leave your childhood’s home, Carry, and the green fields where you have gambolled?” asked I, put- ting on a dash of the sentimental. “A great sacrifice, is it not,” bantered Caroline, “to quit this out- of-the-world place, where one is never certain of seeing a soul but the father and old Cram, for a seat in Wiltshire and a mansion in town ?” ‘*Do you intend to take pity on any of the poor devils you are leaving behind to broken hearts, and invite us to visit you? ” ‘‘J--I shall see,” pouted the beauty. “I can make no promises, for the captain’s connections are high, so I must be particular. Perhaps I shall invite Lina. That is, if she decides to marry Alfred.” ‘© A genteel hint that I am to be left out, cousin mine. If I meet you in town, I must not presume to raise my hat in the distance ? ” “You are always talking nonsense, Edward,” answered Carry, as she moved away. “What's that?” cried Fitzhenry, coming uptome...... .. = 3 —_)