It was
in the papers, though--no cards--and all the best society ladies
knew it of course."
"Why, Maggie, you don't mean to say you have got a mate?"
"Of course I have, you horrid man, you are so vulgar. We were
married ages ago. I didn't invite you of course, because I knew you
would make yourself disagreeable--forbid the banns, or something,
and scare away all the ladies and gentlemen, for you are a most awful
fright, with your red hair and freckles, so I thought it best to say
nothing about the engagement until the ceremony was over. It was
performed by the Rev. Sinister Cornix, and it was a very select
affair, I assure you, and the dresses were so lovely. There were six
bridesmaids--the Misses Mudlark. The Mudlarks, you know, have a
good pedigree, they are come of the younger branch of our family. We
were united in the bonds under a cherry tree. Oh! it was a lovely
time, it was indeed, I assure you."
"And where are you living now, Maggie?"
"Oh, I am not going to tell you; you are too inquisitive. But our
mansion is on the top of a gum tree. It is among the leaves at the
end of a slender branch. If Hugh Boyle tries to kidnap my babies,
the branch will snap, and he will fall and break his neck, the
wretch. Oh, I assure you we thought of everything beforehand; for I
know you keep a lot of boys bad enough to steal anything.
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