the utter disappointment of the bridemen and maids, who, by this
accident, were prevented from throwing the stocking, and performing
certain other ceremonies practised on such occasions. As for the
bride, she bore this misfortune with great good humour, and indeed,
on all occasions, behaved like a discreet woman, perfectly well
acquainted with the nature of her own situation.





CHAPTER V.




Mrs. Pickle assumes the Reins of Government in her own Family--Her
Sister-in-law undertakes an Enterprise of great Moment, but is for
some time diverted from her Purpose by a very interesting Consideration.


Whatever deference, not to say submission, she had paid to Mrs.
Grizzle before she nearly allied to her family, she no sooner became
Mrs. Pickle, than she thought it encumbent on her to act up to the
dignity of the character; and, the very day after the marriage,
ventured to dispute with her sister-in-law on the subject of her own
pedigree, which she affirmed to be more honourable in all respects
than that of her husband; observing that several younger brothers
of her house had arrived at the station of lord-mayor of London,
which was the highest pitch of greatness that any of Mr. Pickle's