THE SOUTH BAY. 165 



tive to your daughter Katy, and I believe they have 

 had a sort of halt' understanding." 



" A fine fellow is Harry ; true, honorable, and 

 energetic," said Mr. Goodlovv, heartily. 



" He is so, and I, as his father, am proud to admit 

 it ; but Katy is a noble girl, and worthy of the finest 

 fellow in the world." 



'• Well, we start the subject with a hearty 

 accord," replied the friend, smiling ; " I can readily 

 imagine what will follow, and have no doubt we will 

 be equally of accord on that." 



" The short of it is, Harry has just been placed in 

 a position that authorizes him to marry, and he 

 wants you to trust Katy to him. On the subject of 

 support he was satisfactory, and on that of love en- 

 thusiastic. He hoped your favorite minister would 

 perform the ceremony." 



This last I'emark was uttered very slowly, for it 

 must be known the two deacons belonged to rival 

 churches and diiferent persuasions, and had had 

 many a contest over form and ritual. 



" That is a matter oF small moment," was the 

 response, " but if any form should be simple it is the 

 marriage ceremony. I really think it had better be 

 performed in your church, where there is less regard 

 for formality." 



" And for that reason I coincided in my son's 

 selection ; our church teaches us that while we are not 

 to insist upon forms as the essence of religion in any 

 of its departments, we are not to indulge prejudice 

 against them. That they are immaterial either way." 



