For some time before Louis' arrival at Ashfield House, preparations had been making in the doctor's domestic _menage_ for the approaching marriage of Miss Wilkinson, the doctor's only daughter.

The young gentlemen had, likewise, their preparations for the auspicious event, the result of which was a Latin Epithalamium, composed by the seniors, and three magnificent triumphal arches, erected on the way from the house-door to the gate of the grounds.

Much was the day talked of, and eagerly were plans laid, both by masters and pupils, for the proper enjoyment of the whole holiday that had been promised on the occasion, and which, by the way--whatever young gentlemen generally may think of their masters' extreme partiality for teaching--was now a greater boon to the wearied and over-fagged ushers, than to the party for whose enjoyment it was principally designed.
The bridal day came .-- No need to descant on the weather.

The sun shone as brightly as could be desired, and as the interesting procession passed under the green bowers, cheer after cheer rose on the air, handfuls of flowers were trodden under the horses' feet, and hats, by common consent, performed various somersaults some yards above their owners' heads.
There was a long watch till the carriages returned, and the same scene was enacted and repeated, when the single vehicle rolled away from the door; and the last mark of honor having been paid, the party dispersed over the large playground, each one in search of his own amusement.

Louis wandered away by himself, and enjoyed a quiet hour unmolested, and tried, with the help of his little hymn-book, and thinking over old times, to bring back some of his former happy thoughts.