OSLA'S WEDDING. 327 



with every one, and of a most kindly and sympathetic 

 nature, not only gave the shilling, but presente'"!'. a 

 new ball as well, which he had himself made a few 

 days previously. His best-man carried it in his 

 pocket, of course in a perfectly limp condition ; but 

 as soon as the party had fairly started from the 

 church, he inflated it to its full dimensions from a 

 pair of lusty lungs, and handed it to the bridegroom. 

 Ned then stepped forward, and with one vigorous kick 

 sent the ball high aloft and amongst the delighted 

 boys, who rent the air with exultant shouts : " Hurrah 

 for the bride and bridegroom ! Good-luck to them. 

 Hurrah, hurrah ! " 



Meantime the married friends and neighbours who 

 had been invited had assembled at Magnus's house. 

 These, headed by the bride's father and mother, met 

 the newly married couple, and the young people their 

 attendants, on their arrival from church. The bride's 

 mother stepped forward with the bridescake — a large 

 oatmeal cake, baked with butter, sugar, and caraway 

 seeds. This she broke over the bride's head before 

 crossing the threshold, and distributed amongst the 

 guests ; the father meanwhile handing drams all 

 round. Healths were drunk according to the invari- 

 able formula : " Here's to the bride and bridegroom 

 and company." 



Dinner speedily followed, A Shetland fisherman's 

 cottage usually consists of two apartments, the " but- 

 end," or kitchen, where all the family live and take 

 their meals, and where the older children sleep ; and 



