"I am engaged."

"Ay! ay! Congratulate! congratulate!" sounded from all sides.

"This gust of wind, which nearly extinguished the lights, brought
me a message from my betrothed!"

"What?" "What is it?" asked the company, their heads at that
moment not in the least condition for guessing charades.

"Counsellor Bagger, have you, like the Doge of Venice, betrothed
yourself to the sea or storm?" asked the bridegroom.

"Hear him, the fortunate! sitting upon the golden doorstep to the
kingdom of love! Let him surmise and guess all that concerns
Cupid, for he has obtained the inspiration, the genial sympathy,"
exclaimed Bagger. "Yes," he continued, "just like the Doge of
Venice, but not as aristocratic! From my attic chamber, where I
sat on my examination-day, guided by Cupid, in a manner which it
would take too long to narrate, I gave to the whirlwind a love-
letter, and at any moment SHE can step forward with my letter, my
promise, and demand me soul and body."

"Who is it, then?" asked bridegroom and bride, with the most
earnest interest.

"Yes, how can I tell that? Do I know the whirlwind's roads?"

"Was the letter signed with your name?"