Nor has this day done much to allay my apprehension.  For at the Court all is still at sixes and sevens, none of a very cheerful spirit, but all mighty anxious, save Moll, who throughout has kept a high, bold spirit.  And she does declare they will work all night, but everything shall be in its place before her lover comes to-morrow.  And, truly, I pray they may, but do think they will not.  For such a mighty business as this should have been begun a full month back.  But she will not endure me in the house (though God knows I am as willing as any to help), saying that I do hinder all, and damp their spirit for work with my gloomy countenance, which is no more than the truth, I fear.  The sky very overcast, with wind in the south and the air very muggy, mild, and close, so that I do apprehend our geese will be all stinking before they are eat.  And if it pour of rain on Christmas day how will the ox be roast, and what sort of company can we expect?  This puts me to another taking for dread of a new fiasco.

December 23. Going to the Court about midday, I was dumbfounded to find no sign of the disorder that prevailed there yesterday, but all swept and garnished, and Moll in a brave new gown seated at her fireside, reading a book with the utmost tranquillity,—­though I suspect she did assume something in this to increase my astonishment.  She was largely diverted by my amazement, and made very light of her achievement; but she admitted that all had worked till daybreak, and she had slept but two hours since.  Nevertheless, no one could have looked fresher and brighter than she, so healthy and vigorous are her natural parts.  About one comes Mr. Godwin to cap her happiness and give fresh glory to her beauty.  And sure a handsomer or better mated couple never was, Mr. Godwin’s shapely figure being now set off to advantage by a very noble clothing, as becoming his condition.  With him came also by the morning stage Don Sanchez, mighty fine in a new head, of the latest mode, and a figured silk coat and waistcoat.  And seeing the brave show they made at table, I was much humbled to think I had gone to no expense in this particular.  But I was yet more mortified when Don Sanchez presents Moll with a handsome set of jewels for a wedding gift, to see that I had nothing in the world to offer her, having as yet taken not a penny of her money, save for the use of others and my bare necessities.  Moll, however, was too full of happiness to note this omission on my part; she could think of no one now but her dear husband, and I counted for nothing.

However, this little chagrin was no more than a little cloud on a summer’s day, which harms no one and is quickly dispelled by generous heat; and the tender affection of these two for each other did impart a glow of happiness to my heart.  ’Tis strange to think how all things to-night look bright and hopeful, which yesterday were gloomy and awesome.  Even the weather hath changed to keep in harmony with our condition.  A fresh wind sprang up from the north this morning, and to-night every star shines out sharp and clear through the frosty air, promising well for to-morrow and our Christmas feast.  And smelling of the geese, I do now find them all as sweet as nuts, which contents me mightily, and so I shall go to bed this night blessing God for all things.