The bridal pair suddenly remembered something, and they stepped out on the porch to receive them as they filled the space in front of the house.
Vinegar took his famous preaching attitude in front of the porch, inflated his lungs and began:
"Brudder an' Sister Sickety, us is all rejoiced dat you two honey-loves is got mighty nigh through wid yo' honey-tower widout no fuss or fight. We welcomes you back to our sawsiety wid glad arms. We hopes dat you will love each yuther mo' or less an' off an' on ferever! We knows dat you has well earnt dis house an' lot dat Marse John Flournoy has gib you an' we cullud folks wants to make you a present of a few change so you kin buy some nice house-furnicher an' start out fresh an' new."
Thereupon Vinegar laid his stove-pipe hat upside down upon the floor of the porch, turned and surveyed the assembly while he mopped his bald head with a yellow bandana handkerchief.
"Walk right up, brudders an' sisters, an' drap yo' few change in dis stove-pipe preachin'-hat!"
They came up one by one, laughingly depositing their money, and pausing to shake hands with the bride and groom.
When the ceremony ended, Vinegar emptied his hat upon the floor of the porch, placed it upon his head with a farewell flourish, and led the negroes out of the yard.
"Dis money is de fambly secret dem three nigger womens whispered to me, honey," Pearline giggled.
"Dat's de myst'ry dem three committee fellers tole me," Plaster chuckled.
The two sat down and counted the money—twenty-five dollars and thirty cents!