my people and they have written back to say yes I may marry you, and
kind Mrs. Molvern is having such a nice wedding suit made for me, and I
think we will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony next
Thursday."

"Thank you so much," said Edith "suppose we talk about it now here on
this sunny bench."

Burke lifted up his coat tails and squatted himself down. "The first
thing to find out about," he said, "is about asking Father Fanty to
marry us."

"Yes, now I have hit upon a plan this very minute," said Edith, "you
will write a letter to him. I have got a rather crumpled bit of paper in
my pocket, and as most men have got a pen in their pockets most likely
you have got one."

"Indeed I have," said Burke, "and a threepenny blotter too."

As for ink, Edith had a halfpenny bottle in her pocket. So Burke began
like this:

"DEAR REV. FATHER FANTY,

I hope your kindness does not mind marrying us
Miss Edith Plush and myself. We are both capable
of receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony on
Thursday next if quite convenient to you. Hoping
you will excuse my craving for Matrimony,

Your sincerely,
THOMAS HENRICK."

Burke told Edith's maid to run to the Presbytery with the letter and
wait for an answer. About a quarter of an hour afterwards this exquisite
and most graceful letter came from Father Fanty.

"MOST DEAR T. HENRICK,

On Thursday I am free from all engagement and am
most willing to marry you, and give a charming
wedding breakfast in my lovely harmonium room. So
with my best congratulations on your coming
marriage,

I am,
Your affectionate priest,
FATHER FANTY."

So on the following Thursday Burke and Edith were dressed as I shall
mention now. The timid darling lady had on a most lovely sky blue
coloured dress with a high bustle, and it was blossomed over with sham
daisies tied on with green ribbon. On her head she wore a wreath of
yellow roses, and her white veil reached down to the top of her stays.
White kid gloves, and as the sleeves of her dress were rather short, her
red beef coloured hands showed between. She had pretty white velvet
boots with grass green buttons, and washed out red stockings. In her