The Ayrshire Legatees

Here Mr. Snodgrass interposed, and said, he would read to them the letter

which Miss Isabella had received from the bride; and without waiting for

their concurrence, opened and read as follows:-LETTER XXXI

Mrs. Sabre to Miss Isabella Tod

MY DEAREST BELL--Rachel Pringle is no more! My heart flutters as I write

the fatal words. This morning, at nine o'clock precisely, she was

conducted in bridal array to the new church of Mary-le-bone; and there,

with ring and book, sacrificed to the Minotaur, Matrimony, who devours so

many of our bravest youths and fairest maidens.

My mind is too agitated to allow me to describe the scene. The office of

handmaid to the victim, which, in our young simplicity, we had fondly

thought one of us would perform for the other, was gracefully sustained

by Miss Argent.

On returning from church to my father's residence in Baker Street, where

we breakfasted, he declared himself not satisfied with the formalities of

the English ritual, and obliged us to undergo a second ceremony from

himself, according to the wonted forms of the Scottish Church. All the

advantages and pleasures of which, my dear Bell, I hope you will soon

enjoy.

But I have no time to enter into particulars. The captain and his lady,

by themselves, in their own carriage, set off for Brighton in the course

of less than an hour. On Friday they are to be followed by a large party

of their friends and relations; and, after spending a few days in that

emporium of salt-water pleasures, they embark, accompanied with their

beloved brother, Mr. Andrew Pringle, for Paris; where they are afterwards

to be joined by the Argents. It is our intention to remain about a month

in the French capital; whether we shall extend our tour, will depend on

subsequent circumstances: in the meantime, however, you will hear

frequently from me.

My mother, who has a thousand times during these important transactions

wished for the assistance of Nanny Eydent, transmits to Miss Mally

Glencairn a box containing all the requisite bridal recognisances for our

Irvine friends. I need not say that the best is for the faithful

companion of my happiest years. As I had made a vow in my heart that

Becky Glibbans should never wear gloves for my marriage, I was averse to

sending her any at all, but my mother insisted that no exceptions should

be made. I secretly took care, however, to mark a pair for her, so much

too large, that I am sure she will never put them on. The asp will be

not a little vexed at the disappointment. Adieu for a time, and believe

that, although your affectionate Rachel Pringle be gone that way in which

she hopes you will soon follow, one not less sincerely attached to you,

though it be the first time she has so subscribed herself, remains in RACHEL SABRE.