But hark! the festal-bell is ringing loud;
And Toogood, sev’nty-three, as ever proud
Comes strutting through the passage to the hall
In the same silk, and likewise handsome shawl,
That she received at Arnold’s christening ball;
Whilst Jane, all in the vigour of her youth,
Leans on her arm—exemplary of truth,
But plainly dress’d; yet with a lovely face;
And paced the passage with a queenly grace.
Now Arnold meets them and allays alarm—
By his embraces and inviting arm;
Whilst dear Aunt Toogood hastens on before
And blithely deputizes at the door;
Which ceremonial frolicsomely plann’d
Dispell’d those fears that Innocence had fann’d:
Thus then they enter and draw near the board.
While the vouchsafing grace from God’s implored
The savoury viands, which compose the food,
Send up their vapours in consonant mode;
And wines, propitious—in the crystal vase,
Move round in token of th’ eventful cause:
The homely meal—as homely as could be
Consistent with Lord Arnold’s dignity—
Affords them joy. Now, while the time beguiles
And peace and plenty, compliments and smiles
Predominate, Lord Arnold of the hour
Avails himself, describes th’ intended tour,—
Improving every moment as it flew
With tales fictitious or with stories true;
Or hum’rously endeavours to explain
The great advantage it will be to Jane,
Whilst he’s away; and what arrangements he
Ordain’d for her improvement and futurity:
His eye beheld her,—fain was he to find
The plan propounded suiting to her mind:
For Jane express’d herself with great delight,
And promised to improve with all her might.