Of course, the next thing in order was the wedding feast; and Dot set to work with all her might, even calling in some neighborly help, and everybody, as if on the point of life or death, ran against each other in all the doorways, and round all the corners, tumbling over Tilly Slowboy and the baby everywhere.
Then there was an expedition to find Mrs. Fielding, and to apologize to her, and to bring her back, happy and forgiving. At first, she would not listen at all, and wouldn’t say anything but, “Now carry me to my grave,” which seemed absurd, on account of her not being dead, or even ill.
After a while she settled down into a dreadful calm, and advantage was taken of this to get her into her coat and gloves, and carry her off to John Peerybingle’s.
When they reached the house, there were Dot’s father and mother; and May’s mother and Dot’s mother began to renew their acquaintance.
After a grand confusion of talk and action, they actually were seated at the table. To have missed that dinner would have been to have missed as good and as jolly a meal as man need eat.
After dinner, Caleb sang his song about the sparkling bowl; and, you may not believe it, but he sang it through.
And, by-the-bye, a most unexpected thing occurred just as he finished the last verse.
Tackleton Does the Unexpected
There was a tap at the door, and a man came staggering in with a big round box, which he set on the table in the center of the nuts and apples. He said:
“Mr. Tackleton’s compliments, and as he hasn’t got no use for the cake himself, perhaps you’ll eat it.”