Page:Mashi and Other Stories.djvu/50

42 "'Oh, indeed!' said I, as I laughed long and loudly.

"I gradually learnt that the bride was an heiress, who would bring the doctor a large sum of money. But why did he insult me by hiding all this from me? Had I ever begged and prayed him not to marry, because it would break my heart? Men are not to be trusted. I have known only one man in all my life, and in a moment I made this discovery.

"When the doctor came in after his work and was ready to start, I said to him, rippling with laughter the while: 'Well, doctor, so you are to be married tonight?'

"My gaiety not only made the doctor lose countenance; it thoroughly irritated him.

"'How is it,' I went on, 'that there is no illumination, no band of music?'

"With a sigh he replied: 'Is marriage then such a joyful occasion?'

"I burst out into renewed laughter. 'No, no,' said I, 'this will never do. Who ever heard of a wedding without lights and music?'

"I bothered my brother about it so much that he at once ordered all the trappings of a gay wedding.