"How should you, indeed! though you seem to be ready enough to answer for your friend Reynolds. However, I don't want to be taking any more of the boys at Drumleesh; so if he is a friend of yours, you'd better warn him, that's all:" and he walked away. "And it's warning you want yourself, Captain, dear," said Pat to himself; "how clever you think yourself, with your Mr. Keegan and your spies, and your fine lady Miss, there; but if you a'nt quiet enough before Christmas, it's odd, that's all." They were called into the inner room now, as Father John was going to perform the ceremony; and such marshalling and arranging as he had!--trying to put people into their proper places who would be somewhere else--shoving down the forms out of the way--moving the tables--removing the dishes and plates; for the supper was to be eaten off the table at which the couple were to be married. And though all the company had probably been at weddings before, and that often, they seemed new to the proceedings. "Denis, you born fool, will you come here, where I told you? and don't keep the mutton spoiling all night;" and he shoved McGovery round the table. "Mary Brady, if you wish to change the ugly name that's on you this night, will you come here?" and he seized hold of the young woman's arm and dragged her round; "and who's wanting you, Biddy?" as the girl followed close behind her principal. "Shure, Father John, a'nt I to be bridesmaid then?" "You, bridesmaid, and Miss Feemy to the fore! stay where you are. Come, Feemy." "Oh! Father John, I a'nt bridesmaid." "Oh! but you will be; and, as Thady a'nt here, Captain Ussher 'll be best man; come round, Captain,"--and Ussher came round. "And mind, Captain," he added, whispering, "when I come to '_salute nostra_'--those are the last words--you're to kiss the bride; you are to kiss her first, and then you'll be married yourself before the year's out." "But I am not all ambitious that way." "Never mind, do as I tell you; and don't forget to have a half-crown in your hand, or so, when I bring the plate round. Come, Pat, where are you? you've to give her away." "She'll jist give herself away, then, Father John; by dad, she's ready and willing enough!" "Do as I tell you, and don't stand bothering. You want to keep those shiners in your pocket--I know you;" and Brady, shamed into compliance, also went into his place. "Now, Denis, the other side of her, boy; why, you're as awkward to marry as shoeing a colt." "Why then, Father John, that's thrue; for I shod many a colt, and never was married." "You'll not be so long, avick; and may be you'll know more about it this time next week. But here's the plate; what do you mean to give the bride? you must put something handsome here for Mary." "Faix then I forgot about that;" and he put his hand into his pocket and forked out half-a-crown, which, with a sheepish look, he put in the plate.