ld, the crown of her head was
covered with a small French cap, from whence descended her beautiful
hair in ringlets that waved upon her snowy neck, which dignified the
necklace I had given her; her looks glowed with modesty and love; and
her bosom, through the veil of gauze that shaded it, afforded a prospect
of Elysium! I received this inestimable gift of Providence as became me;
and in a little time the clergyman did his office, my uncle, at his own
earnest request, acting the part of a father to my dear Narcissa, who
trembled very much, and had scarce spirits sufficient to support her
under this great change of situation. Soon as she was mine by the laws
or heaven and earth, I printed a burning kiss upon her lips; my father
embraced her tenderly, my uncle hugged her with great affection, and
I presented her to my friend Banter, who saluted her in a very polite
manner; Miss Williams hung round her neck, and went plentifully; while
Strap fell upon his knees, and begged to kiss his lady's hand, which she
presented with great affability. I shall not pretend to describe my own
feelings at this juncture; let it suffice to say that having supped and
entertained ourselves till ten o'clock, I cautioned my Narcissa against
exposing her health by sitting up too late, and she was prevailed upon
to withdraw with her maid to an apartment destined for us. When she left
the room, her face overspread with a blush that set all my blood in a
state of fermentation, and made every pulse beat with tenfold vigour!
She was so cruel as to let me remain in this condition a full half-hour:
when, no longer able to restrain my impatience, I broke from the
company, burst into her chamber, pushed out her confidante, and locked
the door, and found her--O heaven and earth!--a feast a thousand times
more delicious than my most sanguine hopes presaged! But, let me not
profane the chaste mysteries of Hymen. I was the happiest of men!

In the morning I was awaked by three or four drums, which Banter had
placed under the window; upon which I withdrew the curtain, and enjoyed
the unspeakable satisfaction of contemplating those angelic charms which
were now in my possession! Beauty! which, whether sleeping or awake,
shot forth peculiar graces! The light darting upon my Narcissa's eyes,
she awoke also, and recollecting her situation, hid her blushes in my
bosom. I was distracted with joy! I could not believe the evidence of
my senses, and looked upon all tha