OR, VULCAN S PEAK. 27 embellishments, for Mark was never either lackadaisical or very delicate. The young man cordially returned Bob s regard, and the two were sincere friends without any phrases on the subject. Bob Betts was the only male witness of the marriage between Mark Woolston and Bridget Yardley, with the exception of the officiating clergyman ; as Mary Bromley was the only female. Duplicate certificates, however, were given to the young couple, Mark placing his in his writ ing-desk, and Bridget hers in the bosom of her dress. Five minutes after the ceremony was ended, the whole party separated, the girls returning to their respective re sidences, and the clergyman going his way, leaving the mate and the ship-keeper together on the vessel s deck. The latter did not speak, so long as he saw the bride groom s eyes fastened on the light form of the bride, as the latter went swiftly up the retired wharf where the ship was lying, on her way to Front street, accompanied by her young friend. But, no sooner had Bridget turned a cor ner, and Bob saw that the attraction was no longer in view, than he thought it becoming to put in a word. "A trim-built and light-sailing craft, Mr. Woolston/ he said, turning over the quid in his mouth ; " one of these days she 11 make a noble vessel to command." " She is my captain, and ever will be, Bob," returned Mark. " But you 11 be silent concerning what has passed." " Ay, ay, sir. It is not my business to keep a log for all the women in the country to chatter about, like so many monkeys that have found a bag of nuts. But what was the meaning of the parson s saying, with all my worldly goods I thee endow does that make you any richer, or any poorer, sir?" "Neither," answered Mark, smiling. "It leaves me just where I was, Bob, and where I am likely to be for gome time to come, I fear." " And has the young woman nothing herself, sir ? Some times a body picks up a comfortable chest-full with these sort of things, as they tell me, sir." " I believe Bridget is as poor as I am myself, Bob, and that is saying all that can be said on such a point. How-
