Page:Martha Spreull by Zachary Fleming.pdf/132

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ELL there is not much left for me to say in bringing these sketches to a close. By a wondrous dispensation of an all-wise Providence the authoress is now more to me than I expected any woman would ever have been. As she has herself told you the story of our courtship in a frank and outspoken manner, it only remains for me to say that our marriage took place in due course. Dr. Threshie, our old friend, acted the part of best man, the which duty he performed with great tact and gentlemanly politeness. The best maids were two young nieces—daughters of my late lamented brother who died in India—who also got through their duties with exceeding ability. Indeed, there was not a hitch, save that I forgot the wedding ring. This caused great consternation to me, though it was productive of much merriment among the younger members of the company; but my partner was equal to the occasion. She had feared my possible forgetfulness, and knowing the minister would not marry