“Egad! for my part, major, I was delighted with Mother Packer, and my Uncle Dick.”
“Many true words said in jest; I’ll bet five pound he’s your uncle in a month—and no mistake.”
“My uncle?” I returned, with a stare.
“Ay—double the bet, too;—d—d quick promotion yours—Captain, first week in the month—Benedict, two gazettes afterwards.”
“Upon my soul, I do not comprehend you. Pray, my dear major, what are you driving at?”
“Driving at?—aye, last night’s drive settled all. When do ye come to the scratch? All friends here;—no use in humbug.
“Why, what the devil do you mean?”
“Mean—get your neck into the halter—slow march up the aisle—she looks down, and you delighted—Parson reads ‘love, honour, and obey, clerk cries ‘amen,’—kiss your bride—chariot and four—white favours—boys shout—door shuts, and away ye go! That’s the time of day!”
“A graphic picture, major. But who are to be the dramatis personae?”
“Who? yourself to be sure; aided and abetted by Flo Maginnis.”