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Page 28
In something like a quarter of an hour, the clatter of horses' feet was
heard by the company, the rival-racers presently appeared in sight, and
all became anxious to learn who was the successful runner. They were not
long kept in suspense; for advancing at a fast gallop, the riders were,
soon within speaking distance; when a loud, shrill whoop from Seth
Stokes, announced that in this case success had at least been with the
long, if not with the strong.
"How's this, Sammy?" cried a dozen voices, as the rivals rode up to the
party.
"I don't exactly know," answered the individual addressed, shaking his
head with a serio-comical expression; "but stifle me with the night-mar,
if ever I'm cotched riding a race with death on horseback agin."
This allusion to the bony appearance of his companion, caused a roar
of laughter at the expense of the winner, in which he good-humoredly
joined. According to custom, as previously mentioned, the bottle was
presented first to Isaac, and then passed in regular order through
the lines--Algernon and Ella merely putting it to their lips without
drinking. When this ceremony was over, the party resumed their
journey--no less merry on account of the whiskey--and by half an hour
past eleven o'clock, all drew rein before the door of Abijah Wilson,
the father of the fair intended.
Here another party, the friends of the bride, were waiting to receive
them; and after some few introductions, much shaking of hands, and other
demonstrations of joy, the announcement was made, that the squire was
ready to perform the ceremony. Instantly all talking was suspended, the
company proceeded to form into a half circle, and then all became silent
and solemn as the house of death. Isaac presently appeared from behind a
coarse, temporary screen of cloth, hung up for the occasion--the house
having no division save a chamber over head--leading the blushing Peggy
by the hand, (a rosy cheeked, buxom lass of eighteen) both looking as
frightened and foolish as could reasonably be expected. Behind the bride
and groom came Algernon, in company with a dark-eyed, pretty brunette,
who performed the part of bridesmaid. Taking their several places, the
Squire, as he was termed--a man of forty--stepped forward, and said a
few words concerning the importance of the present event, asked the
necessary questions, joined their hands, and pronounced them man and
wife. Then followed the usual amount of congratulations, good wishes for
the future happiness of the married pair, kissing of the bride, and so
forth, in all of which proceedings they differed not materially from
their successors of the present day.
About half an hour from the close of the ceremony, the guests were
invited to partake of a sumptuous dinner, prepared expressly for the
occasion. It was placed on rough tables made of large slabs, supported
by small, round legs, set in auger holes; and though there was a
scantiness of dishes--and these in the main consisting of a few
pewter-plates, several wooden trenchers, with spoons of like material,
interspersed with some of horn--and though the scarcity of knives
required many of the gentlemen to make use of those carried in their
belts--yet the food itself was such as might have rejoiced an epicure.
It consisted of beef, roasted and boiled--pork, roasted and
fried--together with chicken, turkey, partridge, and venison--well
flanked on every side by bread, butter, and cheese, potatoes, cabbage,
and various other vegetables. That it was both acceptable and palatable,
was sufficiently proved by the hearty, joyous manner, in which each
individual performed his or her part, and the rapidity with which it
disappeared. The dessert was composed of two or three kinds of pies and
puddings, washed down (at least by those who chose so to do) with
whiskey. Great hilarity prevailed--particularly after the introduction
of the bottle. Immediately dinner was over, the tables were removed, the
fiddler was called for, and the dance commenced, which was to last till
the following morning. The dance was opened by Isaac and the bridesmaid,
with another couple--beginning with a square four, and ending with what
was termed a jig. From this time forth, until the party separated, the
poor fiddler experienced but little relaxation or comfort--unless in
being encouraged, occasionally, by a refreshing salute from the lips of
Black Betty; a being of no greater intellect, reader, than a bottle of
whiskey.
Some two hours after dinner, the father and mother of Isaac announced
their intention of forthwith returning home; and, although seriously
pressed to tarry longer, shortly after took their leave of the
company--Mrs. Younker adding, as a farewell speech, "That she hoped to
gracious Peggy'd jest make Isaac as good a wife nor she had Ben, and
then thar wouldn't never be no need o' having trouble;" and wound up by
quoting the Rev. Mr. Allprayer as the best authority on the subject.
Younker stood by her side, calmly heard her through, and then shrugging
his shoulders with a very significant expression, walked away without
saying a word, to the great amusement of the whole assemblage.
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