“It is a singular circumstance, communicated to us by the indisputable authority of one of the bride’s-maids, that Miss Walsingham, as it was discovered after the ceremony, was actually married with her gown the wrong side outwards. Whether this be an omen announcing good fortune to _all_ the parties concerned, we cannot take upon us to determine; but this much we may safely assert, that never distinguished female in the annals of fashion was married under more favourable auspices than the amiable Lady Hunter. And it is universally acknowledged, that no lady is better suited to be, as in the natural course of things she will soon be, Countess of Puckeridge, and at the head of the great Wigram estate.” * * * * * So ends our newspaper writer. Probably this paragraph was sent to the press before the _fashionable hymeneals_ had actually taken place. This may in some measure account for the extraordinary omissions in the narrative. After the three marriages had been solemnized, just when the ceremony was over, and Lady Hunter was preparing to receive the congratulations of the brilliant congregation, she observed that the clergyman, instead of shutting his book, kept it open before him, and looked round as if expecting another bride. Mrs. Beaumont, we should say Lady Hunter, curtsied to him, smiled, and made a sign that the ceremony was finished; but at this instant, to her astonishment, she saw her bride’s-maid, Miss Hunter, quit her place, and beheld Captain Lightbody seize her hand, and lead her up towards the altar. Lady Hunter broke through the crowd that was congratulating her, and reaching Miss Hunter, drew her hack forcibly, and whispered, “Are you mad, Miss Hunter? Is this a place, a time for frolic? What are you about?” “Going to be married, ma’am! following your ladyship’s good example,” answered her bride’s-maid, flippantly,--at the same time springing forward from the detaining grasp, regardless even of the rent she made in her lace dress, she hurried, or was hurried on by Captain Lightbody. “Captain Lightbody!” cried Lady Hunter; but, answering only with a triumphant bow, he passed on with his bride. “Heavens! will nobody stop him?” cried Lady Hunter, over-taking them again as they reached the steps. She addressed herself to the clergyman. “Sir, she is a ward in chancery, and under my protection: they have no licence; their banns have not been published: you cannot, dare not, surely, marry them?” “Pardon me, Lady Hunter,” said Captain Lightbody; “I have shown Mr. Twigg my licence.” “I have seen it--I thought it was with your ladyship’s knowledge,” replied Mr. Twigg. “I--I cannot object--it would be at my own peril. If there is any lawful impediment, your ladyship will make it at the proper response.” A friend of Captain Lightbody’s appeared in readiness to give the young lady away. “The ceremony must go on, madam,” said the clergyman.