This allusion to the bony appearance of his companion, caused a roar of laughter at the expense of the winner, in which he good-humoredly joined.  According to custom, as previously mentioned, the bottle was presented first to Isaac, and then passed in regular order through the lines—­Algernon and Ella merely putting it to their lips without drinking.  When this ceremony was over, the party resumed their journey—­no less merry on account of the whiskey—­and by half an hour past eleven o’clock, all drew rein before the door of Abijah Wilson, the father of the fair intended.

Here another party, the friends of the bride, were waiting to receive them; and after some few introductions, much shaking of hands, and other demonstrations of joy, the announcement was made, that the squire was ready to perform the ceremony.  Instantly all talking was suspended, the company proceeded to form into a half circle, and then all became silent and solemn as the house of death.  Isaac presently appeared from behind a coarse, temporary screen of cloth, hung up for the occasion—­the house having no division save a chamber over head—­leading the blushing Peggy by the hand, (a rosy cheeked, buxom lass of eighteen) both looking as frightened and foolish as could reasonably be expected.  Behind the bride and groom came Algernon, in company with a dark-eyed, pretty brunette, who performed the part of bridesmaid.  Taking their several places, the Squire, as he was termed—­a man of forty—­stepped forward, and said a few words concerning the importance of the present event, asked the necessary questions, joined their hands, and pronounced them man and wife.  Then followed the usual amount of congratulations, good wishes for the future happiness of the married pair, kissing of the bride, and so forth, in all of which proceedings they differed not materially from their successors of the present day.

About half an hour from the close of the ceremony, the guests were invited to partake of a sumptuous dinner, prepared expressly for the occasion.  It was placed on rough tables made of large slabs, supported by small, round legs, set in auger holes; and though there was a scantiness of dishes—­and these in the main consisting of a few pewter-plates, several wooden trenchers, with spoons of like material, interspersed with some of horn—­and though the scarcity of knives required many of the gentlemen to make use of those carried in their belts—­yet the food itself was such as might have rejoiced an epicure.  It consisted of beef, roasted and boiled—­pork, roasted and fried—­together with chicken, turkey, partridge, and venison—­well flanked on every side by bread, butter, and cheese, potatoes, cabbage, and various other vegetables.  That it was both acceptable and palatable, was sufficiently proved by the hearty, joyous manner, in which each individual performed his or her part, and the rapidity with which it disappeared.  The dessert was composed of two or three kinds of pies and puddings, washed