ess, who saw no just
cause why they should not be bound together in the holy bands of
wedlock, the next Wednesday was set apart when Patrick and Biddy would
be made husband and wife.

The day arrived, and Biddy, arrayed in her best snuff-color, with
ribbons and laces to match, stood up with him of her choice, to
pronounce those vows which should make them one, even though the
ceremony should be performed by a Protestant.

"Will you take this woman to be your wedded wife?" spake the reverend
gentleman, in a clear, distinct tone.

"Ah! kape on, kape on!" shouted the enraptured Pat; "don't be throublin
yesilf with questions; dear knows it's mesilf that's in it;" and his
smiling face was mirrored in numerous brass buttons, which were hanging
around his buff vest.

As soon as the old gentleman could get his voice again, for the
boisterous joy of Pat, be turned to the trembling Biddy.

"Do you take this man to be your lawful husband, and leaving all others,
will you cleave unto him alone?"

"Indade, your Riverence!" exclaimed Biddy, "I'll be afther claving him
all the days of me life! It's not mesilf, sure, that was always born and
reared in the great city of Cork, that'll be doing things by halves!"
and in her happiness she caught Pat around the neck, giving him a smack,
which might have been attributed to the opening of the bottle of whiskey
with which Mr. Santon had graced the occasion, had it not been for those
great eyes of Winnie, which would discover the accident, in spite of
their mistress's endeavors to direct their attention elsewhere.

And now Patrick and Biddy were husband and wife. Never was there a more
devoted couple; the days glided pleasantly on, Biddy keeping time in her
endeavors to please her mistress with the joys of her heart; everything
went on cheerfully, not a note of discontent was heard, except that the
little Winnie would sometimes break into sighing for the pleasures of
her early home. Nothing occurred to disturb the quietude of this home in
the West, until early in the ensuing Fall, when Mrs. Santon was taken
with a violent attack of Western fever, which threatening to undermine
her health, Mr. Santon was fearful lest they should be obliged to return
East; but the fever leaving her, she was again able to attend to her
duties, with only an occasional "shake," and the discussion as to their
return was for the present discontinued.

CHAPTER V.

THE OUTWARD BOUND.

"Go in thy