"Friends! _ Tonight rejoice for us!" said Brook pointing to Dearborne and himself. "There is no need to kneel before anyone on this happy evening! -- Is this not so ArchBishop?" Brook itched Manguino's patience and with a slight grin waited for Manguino to respond. He looked around the room at the people and heard Miel and Cassta laughing. This made him red-in-the-face but eventually he looked up to Brook then raised his hand, signalling to the people to rise. Miel and Cassta were amused and shared some of their views of the ArchBishop with Empal and Tucker, when they joined the two men. The Archbishop continued to look at Brook for several moments, while Brook and Dearborn joined their citizens in their mingling on the floor. Music started up again and so did Hartford's search for Mercedes. He was now becoming exceedingly worried. They had made plans to address Brook and Dearborne, after the toast, and ask them to attend their wedding as honoured guests. Now, however, Hartford couldn't ask Brook with Mercedes' delicate presence there to ensure a favourable acceptance. He searched some more. Boy had disappeared for a few moments. He went out into the garden for some fresh air. Hartford would soon find out where Mercedes was all evening. Nobody paid much attention to Boy when he came back from the outside, carrying an odd expression of horror and bewilderment. Miel and Cassta spoke in loud voices, not caring who heard them speak. Miel was paying Cassta his betted three gold bits; wagered on the ArchBishop's attendance. "Our Almighty looks disturbed, Cassta!" "Yes -- He looks as though his holy sceptre has been plucked!" ribbed Cassta and so received a laugh from Miel, Empal and Tucker. "Or else, his is in a place, other than his hand!" added Empal. While they laughed to almost exhaustion, a couple women approached them and they paired. Now that the wives were back the two men quickly lapsed into civility. Gaena put her arms around Tucker's arm and Aria faced Miel with a light-hearted disapproval showing in her eligant face. "Aren't we merry, tonight?" remarked Aria pushing some hair from Mile's eyes. "Ah, my darling wife. Cassta and I made a god-like humour!" he said then glanced over at Cassta. Both began to laugh again and especially loudly when they looked around and caught Manguino's glare as he listened. "Are you two children drunk again?" Aria asked with a smile. Cassta and Miel looked at one another and both pointed at one another as they answered. "He's drunk ... I'm not!" They carried on some more then Cassta put his arms around Miel and Aria, mostly to keep himself from falling down, and looking at the others there, he slurred a question. "Tell me, friends! -- Have you ever heard the story about the wandering Vicar?" While he told his friends the humorous story, Manguino separated with his small envoy made up of Cardinals Allen and Levy, and the Vicar, Tohm.