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 Walter was at the height of enjoyment. His visit home and meeting so many old friends, combined with the occasion to render it more than usually interesting to him. Rosalind saw his eyes mischievously following her as if he had some fun in contemplation, and she studiously avoided him. He watched his opportunity before the guests dispersed when he saw her and Ernest together, to whisper to him that the ceremony was but half performed, and ho had better see to it before it was too late that Rosalind should enter into her part of the contract. Li vain she tried to check him by placing her hand over his mouth. "I think I can manage that part," replied Ernest.

The clergyman being near, caught enough of what was said, to assure him what was going on, and stepping up, said, "As the power is all on the gentleman's side, man and wife being both one, and that one the husband, it matters little what she assents to; "but my young friend," said he, slyly addressing her, "if you should be heavily oppressed, remember you will find a friend in me, who can defend you upon the testimony of this evening."