My dear master came
to me, at entering the chapel, and took my hand, and led me up to the
altar. Remember, my dear girl, whispered he, and be cheerful. I am, I
will, sir, said I; but I hardly knew what I said; and so you may believe,
when I said to Mrs. Jewkes, Don't leave me; pray, Mrs. Jewkes, don't
leave me; as if I had all confidence in her, and none where it was most
due. So she kept close to me. God forgive me! but I never was so absent
in my life, as at first; even till Mr. Williams had gone on in the
service, so far as to the awful words about requiring us, as we should
answer at the dreadful day of judgment; and then the solemn words, and my
master's whispering, Mind this, my dear, made me start. Said he, still
whispering, Know you any impediment? I blushed, and said softly, None,
sir, but my great unworthiness.
Then followed the sweet words, Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded
wife? etc. and I began to take heart a little, when my dearest master
answered, audibly, to this question, I will. But I could only make a
courtesy, when they asked me; though, I am sure, my heart was readier
than my speech, and answered to every article of obey, serve, love, and
honour.
Mr. Peters gave me away; and I said, after Mr.
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