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ON HIS WAY THROUGH THE WORLD 503
stands hard by our house. We did not decorate the church with
flowers, or adorn the beadles with white ribbons. We had, I must
confess, a dreary little breakfast, not in the least enlivened by
Mugford's jokes, who would make a speech de circonstance, which
was not, I am thankful to say, reported in the Pall Mall Gazette,
" We shan't charge you for advertising the marriage there, my dear,"
Mrs. Mugford said. "And I've already took it myself to Mr.
Burjoyce." Mrs. Mugford had insisted upon pinning a large white
favour upon John, who drove her from Hampstead : but that was
the only ornament present at the nuptial ceremony, much to the
disappointment of the good lady. There was a very pretty cake,
with two doves in sugar on the top, which the Little Sister made
and sent, and no other hymeneal emblem. Our little girls as
bridesmaids appeared, to be sure, in new bonnets and dresses, but
everybody else looked so quiet and demure, that when we went
into the church, three or four street urchins knocking about the
gate, said, " Look at 'em. They're going to be 'ung." And so the
words are spoken, and the indissoluble knot is tied. Amen. For
better, for worse, for good days or evil, love each other, cling to
each other, dear friends. Fulfil your course, and accomplish your
life's toil. In sorrow, soothe each other; in illness, watch and
tend. Cheer, fond wife, the husband's struggle ; lighten his gloomy
hours with your tender smiles, and gladden his home with your love.
Husband, father, whatsoever your lot, be your heart pure, your life
honest. For the sake of those who bear your name, let no bad
action sully it. As you look at those innocent faces, which ever
tenderly greet you, be yours, too, innocent, and your conscience
without reproach. As the young people kneel before the altarrailing,
some such thoughts as these pass through a friend's mind
who witnesses the ceremony of their marriage. Is not all we hear
in that place meant to apply to ourselves, and to be carried away
for everyday cogitation ?
After the ceremony we sign the book, and walk back demurely
to breakfast. And Mrs. Mugford does not conceal her disappointment
at the small preparations made for the reception of the
marriage party. "I call it shabby, Brandon; and I speak my
mind. No favours. Only your cake. No speeches to speak of.
No lobster-salad: and wine on the sideboard. I thought your
Queen Square friends knew how to do the thing better! When
one of my gurls is married, I promise you we shan't let her go out
of the back-door ; and at least we shall have the best four greys
that Newman's can furnish. It's my belief your young friend is
getting too fond of money, Brandon, and so I have told Mugford."
But these, you see, were only questions of taste. Good Mrs.