Into this hidden vault, the plate, and whatever was
most prized, made a nightly retreat, and there the ring in question had
long lain, forgotten until at this moment. But it was the business of
the bridegroom, from time immemorial, to furnish this indispensable to
wedlock, and on no account would Miss Peyton do anything that
transcended the usual reserve of the sex on this solemn occasion;
certainly not until sufficient expiation for the offense had been made,
by a due portion of trouble and disquiet. This material fact, therefore,
was not disclosed by either; the aunt consulting female propriety; the
bride yielding to shame; and Frances rejoicing that an embarrassment,
proceeding from almost any cause, should delay her sister's vow. It was
reserved for Doctor Sitgreaves to interrupt the awkward silence.
"If, madam, a plain ring, that once belonged to a sister of my own--" He
paused and hemmed--"If, madam, a ring of that description might be
admitted to this honor, I have one that could be easily produced from my
quarters at the Corners, and I doubt not it would fit the finger for
which it is desired. There is a strong resemblance between--hem--between
my late sister and Miss Wharton in stature and anatomical figure; and,
in all eligible subjects, the proportions are apt to be observed
throughout the whole animal economy.
Pages:
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390