At this juncture Jefferson arose and, clearing his throat, began a toast to the brides.
"On your feet, gentlemen! Here's to the four Mrs. Van Winkles, the fourest of the fair—I mean the fairest of the four—ouch!—the fairest—of—the—fair. May they never know an hour of remorse! May their hearts always beat time to the tune of love we shall sing into their lovely ears, and may they be kind enough to forgive us our transgressions while they listen to our eternal and everlasting song! Drink, gentlemen!"
As the four gentlemen drained their glasses, the four ladies applauded the eloquent Jeff.
"You must write that out for Corky, Jefferson," cried his mother-in-law. "He may have an opportunity to spring it—"
"Ahem!" barked Corky, quite viciously.
"I am sure we shall all love one another and be happy to the end of our days," cried Mrs. Bleecker Van Winkle, an extremely handsome woman of thirty-three.
"Good for you, Mother!" shouted Rip, with enthusiasm and every one laughed, Corky the loudest of all.
Beppy rose half way out of her seat and peered down the table in the direction of her sister Mary.
"Stop holding hands, you silly things!" she cried, shaking her finger at Bleecker Van Winkle and his wife.
"I'm not holding hands," cried Mary.