Lots of wine--good-bye, old boy."

II.
UP THE AISLE.
A.D. 1881.

Take my cloak--and now fix my veil, Jenny;--
How silly to cover one's face!
I might as well be an old woman,
But then there's one comfort--it's lace.
Well, what has become of those ushers?--
Oh, Pa, have you got my bouquet?
I'll freeze standing here in the lobby,
Why doesn't the organist play?
They've started at last--what a bustle!
Stop, Pa!--they're not far enough--wait!
One minute more--now! Do keep step, Pa!
There, drop my trail, Jane!--is it straight?
I hope I look timid, and shrinking!
The church must be perfectly full--
Good gracious, please don't walk so fast, Pa!
He don't seem to think that trains pull.
The chancel at last--mind the step, Pa!--
I don't feel embarrassed at all--
But, my! What's the minister saying?
Oh, I know, that part 'bout Saint Paul.
I hope my position is graceful--
How awkwardly Nelly Dane stood!
"Not lawfully be joined together,
Now speak"--as if any one would.
Oh, dear, now it's my turn to answer--
I do wish that Pa would stand still.
"Serve him, love, honor, and keep him"--
How sweetly he says it--I will.
Where's Pa?--there, I knew he'd forget it
When the time came to give me away--
"I, Helena, take thee--love--cherish--
And"--well, I can't help it,--"obey."
Here, Maud, take my bouquet--don't drop it--
I hope Charley's not lost the ring!
Just like him!--no--goodness, how heavy!
It's really an elegant thing.
It's a shame to kneel down in white satin--
And the flounce real old lace--but I must--
I hope that they've got a clean cushion,
They're usually covered with dust.
All over--ah, thanks!--now, don't fuss, Pa!--
Just throw back my veil, Charley--there!
Oh, bother! Why couldn't he kiss me
Without mussing up all my hair!
Your arm, Charley, there goes the organ--
Who'd think there would be such a crowd!
Oh, I mustn't look round, I'd forgotten,
See, Charley, who was it that bowed?
Why--it's Nellie Allaire, with her husband--
She's awfully jealous, I know,
Most all of my things were imported,
And she had a home-made _trousseau_.
And there's Annie Wheeler--Kate Hermon--
I didn't expect her at all--
If she's not in that