University of Virginia Library

7. VII.

Mr. Mewker altered the focus of Belgrave's
optics next morning, by a short note, in which he
himself fixed the wedding-day at two weeks from
the Captain's declarations of intentions. This
intelligence confined the Captain two days in the
tower, “codjitating,” during which time every body
in Little-Crampton was informed that Widow Lasciver
and he were engaged to be married. The
news came from the best authority—the Rev. Melchior
Spat. On the evening of the second day, a
pair of lead-colored stockings, a fustian petticoat,
a drab short gown, and a bright bunch of keys,

descended the steep step-ladder from the trap in
the tower, and walked into the room adjoining.
Then two hands commenced wringing themselves,
by which we may understand that Augusta was in
great tribulation. The rumor, rife in Little-Crampton,
had reached her ears, and her brother had
confirmed its truth. The very means employed to
keep him out of danger had only assisted the other
party to carry him off. This should be a warning
to those who interfere with affairs of the heart.
But what was her own future? Certainly her reign
was at an end; a new queen-bee was to take possession
of the hive; and then—what then? kings
and kaisers, even, are not free from the exquisite
anguish which, in that hour, oppressed the heart of
Augusta Belgrave. It was but a step; but what a
step? from mistress to menial, from ruler to subordinate.
She knelt down heavily by the bedside, and
there prayed; but oh! the goodness of woman's
heart!—it was a prayer, earnest, sincere, truthful
and humble; not for herself, but for her brothers.
Then her heart was lightened and strengthned;
and as she rose, she smiled with a bitter sweetness,
that, considering everything, was beautiful.

Great preparations now in Little-Crampton for

the weding. Invitations were out, and needles,
scissors, flowers, laces, ribbons, and mantua-makers,
at a premium. The Captain took heart of grace,
and called upon his lovely bride, but always managed
to get past that lane before night-fall. Hood
& Wessup the fashionable tailors of Little-Crampton,
were suborned to lay themselves out night and
day upon his wedding-suit. He had set his heart
upon having Adolphus dressed precisely like himself
on the occasion. Two brothers dressed alike,
groom, and groomsman, look remarkably well at a
wedding. But to his surprise, Adolphus refused to
be dressed, and would not go to the wedding—
“positively.” Neither would Augusta. Brother
and sister set to work packing up, and when the
expected night arrived there was all their little
stock and store in two, blue, wooden trunks, locked,
and corded, and ready for moving, in the hall of
the Oakery.