this case, since Pastor Robinson had been detained
in Leyden with the rest of his flock, and Elder Brewster had no
authority except to preach.

"It will be my first essay at such an office, Winslow, and I know not
precisely how to go about it," replied Bradford smilingly when his
friend had somewhat formally declared his errand.

"But you were yourself wed that way," replied the bridegroom
impatiently. "For me, my first wife held to her early teaching in that
particular, and would be married in a church and by a minister."

"Yes, I was wed by a magistrate in Amsterdam," replied Bradford
reluctantly; "but the old Dutchman did so mumble and mouth his words
that I gathered not the sense of half. Likely it is, however, Master
Carver hath left some Manual for such occasion. He was warned or ever he
left England that he was like to be our Governor for longer than the
voyage."

"Doubtless, then, he had some such office-book. Shall I bid John Howland
search for it?" asked Winslow.

"Nay, the widow hath already sent me a box of papers and some little
books, which she said should be the governor's. I have not yet searched
them, but I will do so before I sleep. What day have you set for your
wedding, Winslow?"

"Why, we would not seem to fail in respect to our dear departed brother,
and would leave a clear fortnight between his funeral and our wedding;
so an' it please you we will set the marriage for Thursday of next
week."

"And at what hour?"

"At even when all may rest from their labor it seemeth best. After
supper we will be ready."

"Wilt come to me or I to thee?"

"The dame saith she would fain be wed in her new home. It is just
finished to-day, and such gear as we have will be carried thither
to-morrow."

"I mind me that Mistress White hath a fair cradle of her own," suggested
Bradford dryly.

"Ay. Peregrine lieth in it now."

"May it never stand idle. I will come to thy new house then on Thursday
of next week, after supper."

As Winslow departed, Desire Minter met him on the threshold, and with a
hasty reverence asked,--

"Is the governor within, and can I see him?"

"Ay, lass, he is within, and I know not why thou shouldst not see him.
Knock and enter."

And Bradford still languid from his late illness raised his head from
the back of his chair with a patient smile as the knock was immediately
followed by Desire's broad and comely face.

"Can your worship grant me a few moments if it please you