Chapter the Fourth
That Thursday week, the marriage of Mr. Plumpkins to the fair (but affected) Miss Morrisson was to take place. Of course, she was to be married from her home, which was but a hovel. As she was waiting for the cart which was to carry her and her earthly belongings to church, who should come upon her but the spiteful Ellyn Hauton.
“What,” exclaimed the latter, “are you thrown out of your house, Miss Morrisson?”
“Oh! no,” said our heroine, “I am to be married to Mr. Plumpkins.
“To my Gabriel!” ejaculated Ellyn (who henceforth must be Known to the World as Mrs. Plumpkins), “but that is surely Impossible!”
In lieu of answer, the brave Miss Morrisson fell instantly into a severe fainting fit. Fortuitously, she was caught by the romantic Chas. Gardiner, Bart. who, clumsy as he was, dropt her straight away. When he learned of her ruined wedding, he most obligingly offered to stand up and do the job himself. Thus, the minister was put to no great inconvenience, being quite used to the changing out of bridegrooms in his profession. Thus, we leave the lovely neighborhood precisely what they deserve: A life of marriage, or none at all.