ore had she chosen to), and I was
precipitated off from the bench, striking my head on the sharp corner
of a seat below. It was a dreadful blow which I received, making the
blood gush from my nostrils. My loud screams brought matters to a
focus, and the sermon to an end. My grandmother and one of the old
ladies took me and the water pail outdoors, where I was literally
deluged; at the same time they called me "Poor girl! Poor Mollie!
Little dear," etc.

But while they were attending to my bumped head Mike and Sally were
married, and I didn't see it after all! 'Twas too bad!

CHAPTER VII.

THE BRIDE.

After Sally's marriage there occurred at our house an interval of
quiet, enlivened occasionally by letters from Cousin Emma, whose
health was not as much improved by her visit to the country as she had
at first hoped it would be; consequently she proposed spending the
winter south. Meantime, from Boston letters came frequently to Carrie
Howard, and as the autumn advanced, things within and about her
father's house foretold some unusual event. Two dressmakers were hired
from the village, and it was stated, on good authority, that among
Carrie's wardrobe was a white satin and an elegantly embroidered
merino traveling-dress.

Numerous were the surmises of Juliet and Anna as to who and how many
would be invited to the wedding. All misgivings concerning themselves
were happily brought to an end a week before the time, for there came
to our house handsome cards of invitation for Juliet and Anna, and--I
could scarcely believe my eyes--there was one for me too. For this I
was indebted to Aunt Eunice, who had heard of and commiserated my
misfortunes at Sally's wedding.

I was sorry that my invitation came so soon, for I had but little hope
that the time would ever come. It did, however, and so did Mr. Ashmore
and Agnes. As soon as dinner was over I commenced my toilet, although
the wedding was not to take place until eight that evening; but then I
believed, as I do now, in being ready in season. Oh, how slowly the
hours passed, and at last in perfect despair I watched my opportunity
to set the clock forward when no one saw me. For this purpose I put
the footstool in a chair, and mounting, was about to move the long
hand, when--

But I always was the most unfortunate of mortals, so it was no wonder
that at this point the chair slipped, the stool slipped, and I
slipped. I caught at the clock to save myself; consequen