"
"And all Buston," said the aunt.
"Yes, and all Buston."
"I'm sure we're all sorry that the bride's uncle, from Buston Hall, has
not been able to come here to-day. You ought to say that, Joe."
"Yes, I do say it. I'm very sorry that Mr. Prosper isn't able to be
here."
"Perhaps Miss Thoroughbung can tell us something about him?" said Mr.
Crabtree.
"Me! I know nothing special. When I saw him last he was in good health.
I did nothing to him to make him keep his bed. Mrs. Crabtree seems to
think that I have got your uncle in my keeping. Molly, I beg to say that
I'm not responsible."
It must be allowed that amid such free conversation it was difficult for
Joe to shine as an orator. But as he had no such ambition, perhaps the
interruptions only served him. But Miss Thoroughbung's witticism did
throw a certain damp over the wedding-breakfast. It was perhaps to have
been expected that the lady should take her revenge for the injury done
to her. It was the only revenge that she did take. She had been
ill-used, she thought, and yet she had not put Mr. Prosper to a shilling
of expense. And there was present to her a feeling that the uncle had at
the last moment been debarred from complying with her small requests in
favor of Miss Tickle and the ponies on behalf of the young man who was
now sitting opposite to her, and that the good things coming from Buston
Hall were to be made to flow in the way of the Annesleys generally
rather than in her way.
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