wore, and that his mother had given him.

The missives were, after some consultation, entrusted to the care of
the tall halberdier, who seemed to rank as second in command of the
forces that marched under Corporal Brock. This gentleman was called
indifferently Ensign, Mr., or even Captain Macshane; his intimates
occasionally in sport called him Nosey, from the prominence of that
feature in his countenance; or Spindleshins, for the very reason
which brought on the first Edward a similar nickname. Mr. Macshane
then quitted Worcester, mounted on Hayes's horse; leaving all
parties at the "Three Rooks" not a little anxious for his return.

This was not to be expected until the next morning; and a weary nuit
de noces did Mr. Hayes pass. Dinner was served, and, according to
promise, Mr. Brock and his two friends enjoyed the meal along with
the bride and bridegroom. Punch followed, and this was taken in
company; then came supper. Mr. Brock alone partook of this, the
other two gentlemen preferring the society of their pipes and the
landlady in the kitchen.

"It is a sorry entertainment, I confess," said the ex-corporal, "and
a dismal way for a gentleman to spend his bridal night; but somebody
must stay with you, my dears: for who knows but you might take a
fancy to scream out of window, and then there would be murder, and
the deuce and all to pay. One of us must stay, and my friends love
a pipe, so you must put up with my company until they can relieve
guard."

The reader will not, of course, expect that three people who were to
pass the night, however unwillingly, together in an inn-room, should