OR, VULCAN S PEAK. 91 "I understand you, Bill," answered Mark, smiling. " Your commission has been duly executed ; and Phoebe is here, ready to be spliced as soon as there shall be an op portunity." "That is easily enough made, when people s so in clined," said Bill, fidgeting. "If you d be so good, sir, as just to point out the young woman to me, I might be beginning to like her, in the meanwhile." "Young? Nothing was said about that in the order, Bill. You wished a wife, invoiced and consigned to your self; and one has been shipped, accordingly. You must consider the state of the market, and remember that the article is in demand precisely as it is youthful." " Well, well, sir, I 11 not throw her on your hands, if she s old enough to be rny mother ; though I do rather sup pose, Mr. Woolston, you stood by an old shipmate in a foreign land, and that there is a companion suitable for a fellow of only two-and-thirty sent out ?" " Of that you shall judge for yourself, Bill. Here she comes, carrying a looking-glass, as if it were to look at her own pretty face ; and if she prove to be only as good as she is good-looking, you will have every reason to be satisfied. What is more, Bill, your wife does not come empty-handed, having a great many articles that will help to set you up comfortably in housekeeping." Brown was highly pleased with the governor s choice, which had been made with a due regard to the interests and tastes of the absent shipmate. Phoebe appeared well satisfied with her allotted husband ; and that very day the couple was united in the cabin of the Abraham. On the same occasion, the ceremony was performed for Unus and Juno, as well as for Peters and his Indian wife; the go vernor considering it proper that regard to appearances and all decent observances, should be paid, as comported with their situation. About sunset of the third clay after the arrival of the Raricocus, the Abraham sailed for the Peak, having on board somewhat less than a hundred of the immigrants, including females and children. The Neshamony pre ceded her several hours, taking across the governor and
