It has been my
duty, my--ah--cheerful duty to call upon the winners of large prizes
and to offer the felicitation of the company. I have, in my experience,
called upon many such; but never have I seen fortune so happily bestowed
as in this case. The company have dowered the prospective bride. I am
sure I but echo the sentiments of this assembly when I wish all joy and
happiness to this happy pair, happy in the possession of a snug
little fortune, and happy--happy in--" he finished with a sudden
inspiration--"in the possession of each other; I drink to the health,
wealth, and happiness of the future bride and groom. Let us drink
standing up." They drank with enthusiasm. Marcus was carried away with
the excitement of the moment.
"Outa sight, outa sight," he vociferated, clapping his hands. "Very well
said. To the health of the bride. McTeague, McTeague, speech, speech!"
In an instant the whole table was clamoring for the dentist to speak.
McTeague was terrified; he gripped the table with both hands, looking
wildly about him.
"Speech, speech!" shouted Marcus, running around the table and
endeavoring to drag McTeague up.
"No--no--no," muttered the other. "No speech.
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