ant
spirits, that's all. She took her smelling-bottle, and would have given
it me: but I said, Keep it in your hand; may be I shall want it: but I
hope not.

She gave me very good words, and begged me to go: And I got up; but my
knees beat so against one another, I was forced to sit down again. But,
at last, I held by her arm, and passing by Abraham, I said, This ugly
slip, coming down stairs, has made me limp, though; so I must hold by
you, Mrs. Jewkes. Do you know what alterations there are to be in the
chapel, that we must all give our opinions of them?

Nan, she told me, was let into the secret; and she had ordered her to
stay at the chapel door, to see that nobody came in. My dear master came
to me, at entering the chapel, and took my hand, and led me up to the
altar. Remember, my dear girl, whispered he, and be cheerful. I am,
I will, sir, said I; but I hardly knew what I said; and so you may
believe, when I said to Mrs. Jewkes, Don't leave me; pray, Mrs. Jewkes,
don't leave me; as if I had all confidence in her, and none where it was
most due. So she kept close to me. God forgive me! but I never was so
absent in my life, as at first; even till Mr. Williams had gone on in
the service, so far as to the awful words about requiring us, as we
should answer at the dreadful day of judgment; and then the solemn
words, and my master's whispering, Mind this, my dear, made me start.
Said he, still whispering, Know you any impediment? I blushed, and said
softly, None, sir, but my great unworthiness.

Then followed the sweet words, Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded
wife? etc. and I began to take heart a little, when my dearest master
answered, audibly, to this question, I will. But I could only make a
courtesy, when they asked me; though, I am sure, my heart was readier
than my speech, and answered to every article of obey, serve, love, and
honour.

Mr. Peters gave me away; and I said, after Mr. Williams, as well as
I could, as my dear master did with a much better grace, the words of
betrothment; and the ceremony of the ring passing next, I received the
dear favour at his worthy hands with a most grateful heart; and he was
pleased to say afterwards in the chariot, that when he had done saying,
With this ring I thee wed, etc. I made a courtesy, and said, Thank you,
sir. May be I did; for I am sure it was a most grateful part of the
service, and my heart was overwhelmed with his goodness, and the tender
grace wherew