This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872 edition. Excerpt: ... EPILOGUE. More than two years have passed since the events narrated in our last chapter. On a bright morning in May, the bell at Ilmington sends forth a merry peal; not very harmonious, certainly, but none the less joyous and noisy, since old Timothy Sykes has been superseded for the nonce by Jack Ellis, who has begged so hard to be allowed to ring Miss Alice into church for the last time as "Miss Alice," that Timothy (who is fast getting into his dotage) has not the heart to refuse, and, truth to tell, is quite content to sit at home in the chimneycorner, and indulge in sundry sips of hot elder-wine, part of the supply brought him by Miss Alice herself, that he may drink her health. About ten o'clock the church begins to be thronged by young and old; you would think the whole village had turned out like one man. Miss Spry, radiant and blooming, presides at the organ, and John Edmunds varies the monotony of pulling out the stops for her, by whispering sly allusions to a time not so very far distant, when she and he will have a special interest in the wedding-hymn about to be sung. By and by, the "quality" begin to come. Sir Marmaduke, portlier, more dignified than ever--his disappointment in love has certainly not affected him outwardly. Lord and Lady Charleswood--the latter beaming with a happiness so perfect in its quiet serenity, that we, who have hitherto known her only under a cloud, hardly recognise her. Mr. and Mrs. Tooke--the former has actually left his umbrella at home, and thrusts his right-hand thumb in fidgety forlornness, every now and then, through the buttonhole of his coat, as if in quest of his faithful comrade. The Hon. and Rev. Augustus Screw and lady, bristling in self-conscious importance. Members of the county...