I shall be really vexed at him if anything goes wrong." "You must forgive a little flustration on his part," I loftily answered.

"Perhaps, were I in his place, I should be agitated too." Well, the next evening came, and at seven o'clock I repaired to the squire's residence.

Fred was already there, walking up and down the parlor, a good deal excited, but dressed faultlessly and looking frightfully well.
"Why, John," was his first greeting, "aren't you going to wear any cravat ?" I put my hand up to my neck and dashed madly back a quarter of a mile for the delicate white silk tie I had left on my dressing bureau.
This, of course, made me uncomfortably warm.

When I got back to the squire's I was in a perspiration, felt that my calm brow was flushed, and had to wipe it with my handkerchief.
"Come," said that impatient Fred, "you have just two minutes to get your gloves on." My hands were damp, and being hurried had the effect to make me nervous, in spite of four long weeks' constant resolution.

What with the haste and perspiration, I tore the thumb completely out of the left glove.
Never mind; no time to mend, in spite of the proverb.
The bride came down-stairs, cool, white, and delicious as an orange blossom.