The party reached the altar railing, bowed silently to the minister, who nodded gravely in return, and then formed before the altar—the venerable bridegroom and beautiful bride in the center, Sylvan on the right of the groom, Cora on the left of the bride. The young man performed the mission with which he had been intrusted, and then the ceremony was commenced. It went on smoothly enough until the minister in its proper place asked the question:
"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"
There was an awful pause.
No one had thought of the necessity of having a "church father" to give away the bride.
The officiating clergyman saw the dilemma at a glance, and quietly beckoned the gray-haired sexton to come up and act as a substitute. But Sylvan Haught, with a twinkle of fun in his eyes, turned his head and whispered to the new comer:
"'After me is manners of you.'"
Then he took the bride's hand and said mightily:—
"I do."
The marriage ceremony went on to its end and was over. Congratulations were offered. The register was signed and witnessed.
And old Aaron Rockharrt led his newly married wife out of the church and put her into the carriage. Then turning around to his grandchildren he said: