A serious conversation then ensued—
The retrospect and future well reviewed—
Lord Arnold delicately sought to name
The nuptial-day, and urg’d the blushing Jane
To fix the date; but she, with subdued voice,
Begg’d courteously to be excused,—“the choice,”
She softly said, “dear Arnold, should be thine;
And what your wish may be, that shall be mine.”
He then, most fondly, kiss’d her modest cheek,
And named it for the following Wednesday-week:
“Shall it be so?” he said * * * “come, dear, express
Thy pleasure, and enhance my happiness!”
She press’d his hand, and breathed the mono-word[237]
To which George Hollybrand at once concurred:
And silently pour’d forth this orison,—
“O righteous God, bless Thou this gen’rous man!”
[237] Yes!