A Modern Adam and Eve in a Garden

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXII WEDDING BELLS And they were married, and lived happily-ever afterward. I suppose that is the orthodox ending or beginning. Little did I imagine that Eve and I would find our fate and fortune in a small, sleepy, old-time country-town. But we had startled it out of its hundred-year nap, which, perhaps, has been better than painting it red. I fancy that a man's idea of marriage is, oftenest, going off quietly, and, like Mr. Wemmick, stepping in to be married, finding every thing ready with no fuss. But--well, Lawrence and I were in a manner patriots, and were ready to be sacrificed for our country. It would have been a great disappointment to the Athenians, and to our own little circle as well, if we had not taken them into account. First of all, Gordon Pryor announced that the bridal feast, in whatever shape it was given, was solely his affair. Then, a double wedding was rather out of the ordinary. And there were so many friends--consequently, there was no resource but to resign ourselves to fate. It seemed to me that Harwood House overflowed with guests. Many of Eve's girl-friends came over, --married now, of course, --but one could not forbid them hotel privileges, even if one had felt ever so hermit-like. The Hildreth cousins came on from Philadelphia; at least, three of them did, --two bright girls, and a very delightful young man. There were three more who were heads of families. We were married in church at seven in the evening. The church was almost a garden of flowers. Mr. Wilbur gave away both brides. Mr. Bradford performed the ceremony with the kind of tender solemnity that goes to one's heart. We were convoyed back to the hotel, which was fragrant with flowers also; and--The feast was set, The guests were met. For two hours we enj...