Thoughts of you, and no one else;
      Voice that has a tender ring,
    Sacrifices made, and—­well—­
      You know—­all that sort of thing. 
    That’s all worn-out talk, they say,
      Don’t see any of it now—­
    Spooning on your fiancee
      Isn’t good style, anyhow. 
    Just suppose that one of us,—­
      Nell and me, you know—­some day
    Got like that on some one else—­
      Might be rather awkward—­eh! 
    All in earnest, like the books—­
      Wouldn’t it be awful rough! 
    Jove! if I—­but pshaw, what bosh! 
      Nell and I are safe enough.—­
    Some time in the Spring, I think;
      Be on hand to wish us joy? 
    Be a groomsman, if you like—­
      Lots of wine—­good-bye, old boy.”

    II. 
    UP THE AISLE. 
    A.D. 1881.

    Take my cloak—­and now fix my veil, Jenny;—­
      How silly to cover one’s face! 
    I might as well be an old woman,
      But then there’s one comfort—­it’s lace. 
    Well, what has become of those ushers?—­
      Oh, Pa, have you got my bouquet? 
    I’ll freeze standing here in the lobby,
      Why doesn’t the organist play? 
    They’ve started at last—­what a bustle! 
      Stop, Pa!—­they’re not far enough—­wait! 
    One minute more—­now!  Do keep step, Pa! 
      There, drop my trail, Jane!—­is it straight? 
    I hope I look timid, and shrinking! 
      The church must be perfectly full—­
    Good gracious, please don’t walk so fast, Pa! 
      He don’t seem to think that trains pull. 
    The chancel at last—­mind the step, Pa!—­
      I don’t feel embarrassed at all—­
    But, my!  What’s the minister saying? 
      Oh, I know, that part ’bout Saint Paul. 
    I hope my position is graceful—­
      How awkwardly Nelly Dane stood! 
    “Not lawfully be joined together,
      Now speak”—­as if any one would. 
    Oh, dear, now it’s my turn to answer—­
      I do wish that Pa would stand still. 
    “Serve him, love, honor, and keep him”—­
      How sweetly he says it—­I will. 
    Where’s Pa?—­there, I knew he’d forget it
      When the time came to give me away—­
    “I, Helena, take thee—­love—­cherish—­
      And”—­well, I can’t help it,—­“obey.” 
    Here, Maud, take my bouquet—­don’t drop it—­
      I hope Charley’s not lost the ring! 
    Just like him!—­no—­goodness, how heavy! 
      It’s really an elegant thing. 
    It’s a shame to kneel down in white satin—­
      And the flounce real old lace—­but I must—­
    I hope that they’ve got a clean cushion,
      They’re usually covered with dust. 
    All over—­ah, thanks!—­now, don’t fuss, Pa!—­
      Just throw back my veil, Charley—­there! 
    Oh, bother!  Why couldn’t he kiss me
      Without mussing up all my hair! 
    Your arm, Charley, there goes