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 does n'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 do n't walk so fast, Pa!

He do n't seem to think that trains pull.

The chancel at last — mind the step, Pa!—

I do n'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 n't help it,— “obey.”

Here, Maud, take my bouquet — do n'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, do n't fuss, Pa!—

Just throw back my veil, Charley — there!

Oh, bother! Why could n't he kiss me

Without mussing up all my hair!

Your arm, Charley, there goes the organ —

Who'd think there would be such a crowd!

Oh, I must n't look round, I'd forgotten,

See, Charley, who was it that bowed?

Why — it's Nellie Allaire, with her husband —

She's awfully jealous, I know,

Most all of my things were imported,

And she had a home-made trousseau.

And there's Annie Wheeler — Kate Hermon —

I did n't expect her at all —

If she's not in that same old blue satin

She wore at the Charity Ball!

Is that Fanny Wade?— Edith Pommeton —

And Emma, and Jo — all the girls!

I knew they'd not miss my wedding —

I hope they'll all notice my pearls.

Is the carriage there?— give me my cloak, Jane,

Do n't get it all over my veil —

No! you take the other seat, Charley —

I need all of this for my trail.