CHAPTER V.
NEW RELATIONS.
About six weeks after the close of Mabel's school we were one day startled with the intelligence that she was going to be married, and to Mr.Sherwood, too.

He had become tired of the fashionable ladies of his acquaintance, and when he saw how pure and artless Mabel was, he immediately became interested in her; and at last, overcoming all feelings of pride, he had offered her his hand, and had been accepted.
At first we could hardly credit the story; but when Mrs.Hudson herself confirmed it we gave it up, and again I wondered if I should be invited.

All the nicest and best chestnuts which I could find, to say nothing of the apples and butternuts, I carried to her, not without my reward either, for when invitations came to us I was included with the rest.

Our family were the only invited guests, and I felt no fears this time of being hidden by the crowd.
Just before the ceremony commenced there was the sound of a heavy footstep upon the outer porch, a loud knock at the door, and then into the room came Mr.Gilbert! He seemed slightly agitated, but not one-half so much as Mrs.Hudson, who exclaimed, "William, my son, why are you here ?" "I came to witness my sister's bridal," was the answer; and turning toward the clergyman, he said, somewhat authoritatively, "Do not delay for me, sir.

Go on." There was a movement in the next room, and then the bridal party entered, both starting with surprise as they saw Mr.Gilbert.