This is nigh to be the proodest day o' my life, sir. Hoo be
all wi' ye? Ding! But, I'm glod o' this!'
Quite forgetting even his hunger in the heartiness of his salutation,
John Browdie shook Nicholas by the hand again and again, slapping
his palm with great violence between each shake, to add warmth to the
reception.
'Ah! there she be,' said John, observing the look which Nicholas
directed towards his wife. 'There she be--we shan't quarrel about her
noo--eh? Ecod, when I think o' thot--but thou want'st soom'at to eat.
Fall to, mun, fall to, and for wa'at we're aboot to receive--'
No doubt the grace was properly finished, but nothing more was heard,
for John had already begun to play such a knife and fork, that his
speech was, for the time, gone.
'I shall take the usual licence, Mr Browdie,' said Nicholas, as he
placed a chair for the bride.
'Tak' whatever thou like'st,' said John, 'and when a's gane, ca' for
more.'
Without stopping to explain, Nicholas kissed the blushing Mrs Browdie,
and handed her to her seat.
'I say,' said John, rather astounded for the moment, 'mak' theeself
quite at whoam, will 'ee?'
'You may depend upon that,' replied Nicholas; 'on one condition.
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