Wishing one morning to speak to my hostess, I went to the kitchen; secure of finding her there,—that being the seat of empire, with a good New-England house-wife. For once, however, I was disappointed; but there sat Bill. Returned from some nameless excursion, he was eating a late breakfast. It was rather picturesque. His naked feet, stained by the soil through which he had lately plodded, were raised upon the cross piece of his chair—his knees appearing through two very unnecessary apertures in his nether garment—his ragged hat lying on the floor at his feet, and two large house-dogs seated on the ground—one on each side, watching with eager interest each morsel that he conveyed to his lips. I have said that I was somewhat anxious on the score of Bill’s health; but when I saw the devotion with which he applied himself to his hashed pork and potatoes, and the complacency with which from time to time he eyed a smoking dish of pumpkin-pudding which stood close at his elbow, waiting his acceptance, I comforted myself with the belief that the means and appliances with which he strengthened his inward man, would abundantly enable him to sustain the labors which heaven had allotted to his share. We had long been the best of friends, and perfectly understood each other. He looked up at me with his laughing grey eyes. “Our Nance is going to be married.” “You don’t say so—Bill, are you in earnest?” Bill nodded, for by this time his mouth was again full, and he could not speak. He took a draught of cider from the great brown jug on the table. “Yes, it’s true enough.” “And to whom is she to be married?” “Siah Goodwin.” “Bless me, what could have brought about such a change?” “Anan?” “How has it all happened, Bill?” “Why Betty Nares told Mother it _was to be_; so how could she hinder it?” “Ah, very true. Well, when is the wedding to take place?” “To-morrow evening—won’t you come?” “Certainly.” “Do,—we shall have a main sight of pumpkin pies; mother says it will be like a training day.” Was it possible that the artful and ignorant Betty had succeeded in imposing upon the plain good sense of Mrs. Lee? I was sure there must be more in it than at first sight appeared. However, I determined to be at the wedding. On enquiry, I found that the Dawkinses were invited, and also that they were as much surprised at the turn affairs had taken as myself.