“ ‘Indeed, your reverence,’ I answered, ‘it would be that certainly when the solid things come on the table; there was to be a roast turkey, and a ham, and such a lovely piece of boiled beef—poor Mrs. Considine was bemoaning it all to me not a minute ago.’
“ ‘A ham, a roast turkey, and a fine piece of boiled beef,’ repeated his reverence slowly, ‘besides all the kickshaws—and wine?’
“ ‘The finest of port, (thick round the bottles with age) and champagne, that the villain of a bridegroom brought,’ I answered.
“ ‘Say nothing about who brought it, Nelly, if it’s there, and he’s not,’ said his reverence—he paused awhile, but I knew by the twinkle of his eyes, he was thinking of something past the common—
“ ‘It’s a mighty fine dinner, Nelly!’
“ ‘It is, your reverence.’
“ ‘Nelly, it’s a sin and a shame to have such a dinner as that in the house, and no wedding.’
“ ‘True, for your reverence.’
“ ‘Nelly, we must have a wedding!’ and he looked me through and through.
“ ‘Your reverence,’ I said—hardly knowing how to answer, ‘knows best; but I don’t see how at this present time; it’s my ignorance, your reverence.’ He shook his head and smiled.