I'll send, and know what it is for." Mary went out and dispatched the first house-maid she caught for intelligence.

The girl ran into the stable to her sweetheart, and he told her directly.
Meantime Lady Bassett moralized upon church-bells.
"They are always sad--saddest when they seem to be merriest.

Poor things! they are trying hard to be merry now; but they sound very sad to me--sadder than usual, somehow." The girl knocked at the door.

Mary half opened it, and the news shot in--"'Tis for Squire Bassett; he is bringing of his bride home to Highmore to-day." "Mr.Bassett--married--that is sudden.

Who could he find to marry him ?" There was no reply.