signify--my foot slipped afther laving you last night on my way home,
and my head came against a stone--it's only a little sore outside.
It 'ill be very well as soon as the priest puts your heart and mine
together--never to be parted--long--long an' airnestly have I wished
an' prayed for this happy day. Isn't your mother here, jewel, an' my own
little Ellen?"

Her eye had been fixed upon his countenance with all the love and
anxiety of a young bride about to be united to the husband of her
heart's first choice. She saw that despite of every effort to the
contrary, there was in his mind a source of some secret sorrow. A single
tear rolled down her cheek, which he kissed away, and as he did it,
whispered her in a tone of affectionate confidence, that it was but a
trifle and signified nothing. Maura took her hand, and assured her that
no cause for apprehension existed; so did Hugh, but as he held her hand
in his, he perceived that she got pale again, and trembled as if seized
with some sudden fear.

When the ceremony was concluded, those who attended it of course
returned to Felix's house to partake of the wedding-dinner. He, indeed,
seemed to be gifted with new life; his eyes sparkled, and a deep
carmine of his cheek was dazzling to look upon. Courtesy, and the usages
prevalent on such occasions, compelled him to drink more than his
state of health was just then capable of bearing; he did not, however,
transgress the bounds of moderation. Still the noise of many
tongues, the sounds of laughter, and the din of mirth, joined to the
consciousness that his happiness was now complete, affected him with
the feverish contagion of the moment. He talked hurriedly and loud, and
seemed to feel as if the accomplishment of his cherished hopes was too
much for his heart to bear.