“To-morrow or next day?” says Western, bursting into the room where Sophia and Jones were alone.

“Indeed, sir,” says she, “I have no such intention.”

“But I can tell thee,” replied he, “why hast not; only because thou dost love to be disobedient, and to plague and vex thy father.  When I forbid her, then it was all nothing but sighing and whining, and languishing and writing; now I am for thee—­(this to Jones)—­she is against thee.  All the spirit of contrary, that’s all.  She is above being guided and governed by her father, that is the whole truth on’t.  It is only to disoblige and contradict me.”

“What would my papa have me do?” cries Sophia.

“What would I ha’ thee do?” says he, “why gee un thy hand this moment.”

“Well, sir,” said Sophia, “I will obey you.  There is my hand, Mr. Jones.”

“Well, and will you consent to ha’ un to-morrow morning?” says Western.

“I will be obedient to you, sir,” cries she.

“Why, then, to-morrow morning be the day,” cries he.

“Why, then, to-morrow morning shall be the day, papa, since you will have it so,” said Sophia.  Jones then fell upon his knees and kissed her hand in an agony of joy, while Western began to caper and dance about the room, presently crying out, “Where the devil is Allworthy?” He then sallied out in quest of him, and very opportunely left the lovers to enjoy a few tender minutes alone.

But he soon returned with Allworthy, saying, “If you won’t believe me, you may ask her yourself.  Hast not gin thy consent, Sophy, to be married to-morrow?”

“Such are your commands, sir,” cries Sophia, “and I dare not be guilty of disobedience.”

“I hope there is not the least constraint,” cries Allworthy.

“Why, there,” cried Western, “you may bid her unsay all again if you will.  Dost repent heartily of thy promise, dost not, Sophy?”

“Indeed, papa,” cried she.  “I do not repent, nor do I believe I ever shall, of any promise in favour of Mr. Jones.”

“Then, nephew,” cries Allworthy, “I felicitate you most heartily, for I think you are the happiest of men.”

Mr. Allworthy, Mr. Western, and Mrs. Miller were the only persons present at the wedding, and within two days of that event Mr. Jones and Sophia attended Mr. Western and Mr. Allworthy into the country.

There is not a neighbour or a servant, who doth not most gratefully bless the day when Mr. Jones was married to Sophia.

* * * * *

CAMILLE FLAMMARION

Urania