The revel was at its height when a priest appeared , and withdrawing the young pair to an alcove , hung with purple velvet , he motioned them to kneel . Instant silence fell on the gay throng , and not a sound , but the dash of fountains or the rustle of orange groves sleeping in the moonlight , broke the hush , as Count de Adelon spoke thus : `` My lords and ladies , pardon the ruse by which I have gathered you here to witness the marriage of my daughter . Father , we wait your services . '' All eyes turned toward the bridal party , and a murmur of amazement went through the throng , for neither bride nor groom removed their masks . Curiosity and wonder possessed all hearts , but respect restrained all tongues till the holy rite was over . Then the eager spectators gathered round the count , demanding an explanation . `` Gladly would I give it if I could , but I only know that it was the whim of my timid Viola , and I yielded to it . Now , my children , let the play end . Unmask and receive my blessing . '' But neither bent the knee , for the young bridegroom replied in a tone that startled all listeners as the mask fell , disclosing the noble face of Ferdinand Devereux , the artist lover , and leaning on the breast where now flashed the star of an English earl was the lovely Viola , radiant with joy and beauty . `` My lord , you scornfully bade me claim your daughter when I could boast as high a name and vast a fortune as the Count Antonio . I can do more , for even your ambitious soul can not refuse the Earl of Devereux and De Vere , when he gives his ancient name and boundless wealth in return for the beloved hand of this fair lady , now my wife . '' The count stood like one changed to stone , and turning to the bewildered crowd , Ferdinand added , with a gay smile of triumph , `` To you , my gallant friends , I can only wish that your wooing may prosper as mine has done , and that you may all win as fair a bride as I have by this masked marriage . '' S. PICKWICK Why is the P. C. like the Tower of Babel ? It is full of unruly members . _________ THE HISTORY OF A SQUASH Once upon a time a farmer planted a little seed in his garden , and after a while it sprouted and became a vine and bore many squashes . One day in October , when they were ripe , he picked one and took it to market . A gorcerman bought and put it in his shop . That same morning , a little girl in a brown hat and blue dress , with a round face and snub nose , went and bought it for her mother . She lugged it home , cut it up , and boiled it in the big pot , mashed some of it with salt and butter , for dinner .
And to the rest she XXXXX a pint of milk , two eggs , four spoons of sugar , nutmeg , and some crackers , put it in a deep dish , and baked it till it was brown and nice , and next day it was eaten by a family named March .
added broke claim fell leaning lugged mashed revel win wish