Of business to attend to: duty first, then pleasure.[11]”

[11]

XXIX.

They kissed him fondly, all of them, and flew

Straightway indoors to talk the matter o'er,

They all were anxious Ma should know it too,

And met that worthy matron at the door

Who liked the thought of merriment in store,

And reveled in it just as much as they,

For things a very pleasant aspect bore

While all were thinking of the happy day,

Talking of all their wants e'er they should start away.

XXX.

And now of course there was incessant chat

Concerning what to take and where to go,

To see if this arrangement suited that,

Or that arrangement suited so and so;

'Twas well to balance matters thus you know

And settle all before the time arrived,

To milliners and hairdressers to go,

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