"What Hamper, Father?"
"Why, a Hamper and Packing-Case of Chelsea China I bought at the Auction-Rooms yesterday."
"Alas, Father, have you been buying more China?"
"Yes, I have, Miss Patty, more by Token, I bought it as a Compliment to your Mother, and outbade my Lord Fribble; so what have you to say to that now?"
"Dear Father, my Mother will feel the compliment; but, had you let it alone, 'twould have been the greater Kindness."
"That's a Solecism, Patty; but here comes Peter with the Case; and here comes your Mother to see it unpacked."
As 'twas no use to cross him about a Thing that was done, I ran to be my dear Mother's "live Walking-Stick;" and when I had settled her in her Easy-Chair, with all her little Comforts about her, she takes Breath, and says to my Father, "Good Morning, my Dear."
"Good Morning, my Dear," replies he; "this is our Wedding-Day;" and got up, and kissed her.
This was so unlike his usual Mood, that Prudence and I were surprised and touched.