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.