"You, bridesmaid, and Miss Feemy to the fore! stay where you are. Come, Feemy."
"Oh! Father John, I a'nt bridesmaid."
"Oh! but you will be; and, as Thady a'nt here, Captain Ussher 'll be best man; come round, Captain,"—and Ussher came round. "And mind, Captain," he added, whispering, "when I come to 'salute nostrâ'—those are the last words—you're to kiss the bride; you are to kiss her first, and then you'll be married yourself before the year's out."
"But I am not all ambitious that way."
"Never mind, do as I tell you; and don't forget to have a half-crown in your hand, or so, when I bring the plate round. Come, Pat, where are you? you've to give her away."
"She'll jist give herself away, then, Father John; by dad, she's ready and willing enough!"
"Do as I tell you, and don't stand bothering. You want to keep those shiners in your pocket—I know you;" and Brady, shamed into compliance, also went into his place.
"Now, Denis, the other side of her, boy; why, you're as awkward to marry as shoeing a colt."
"Why then, Father John, that's thrue; for I shod many a colt, and never was married."
"You'll not be so long, avick; and may be you'll know more about it this time next week. But here's the plate; what do you mean to give the bride? you must put something handsome here for Mary."