The Life Of Charles Stewart Parnell Vol - I

264 ' CHARLES STEWART PARNELL [1881
his hand on my shoulder; " I am glad to hear it." I thought I should like to ask him to come to my wedding, but I didn't know how he would take it. He was, however, so very pleasant and friendly this evening that I mustered up courage, and, faith, a good deal to my surprise, found myself saying, " I would feel very proud, Mr. Parnell, if you would come to my wedding." " Certainly, Horgan," said he, in the most off-hand manner. When he consented to this I thought I might ask him to do anything. " Mr. Parnell," said I, "may I ask you to be my best man?" He looked amused, smiled, and said quickly, " With pleasure, Horgan; you have done more than that for me. And now you must introduce me to your intended wife." I told him she was in the Ladies' Gallery. We went up. I introduced him. He talked away pleasantly, took her over the House, said smilingly " he was glad Horgan was going to have someone to take care of him," and was altogether perfectly charming. I was married at the Bedemptorist Church, Clapham, on August 7, Eleven o'clock was the hour fixed for the ceremony. The rumour had got abroad that Parnell was coming to the wedding, and the church and the street were crowded with people anxious to see him. As the hour approached I felt very nervous, for I thought he might not turn up, or that at all events he might not turn up in time. Indeed, I thought I would be a lucky fellow if he arrived at twelve or one o'clock. I stood at the church door on the lookout. At about ten minutes to eleven a carriage and pair dashed up to the door, and there was Parnell, dressed magnificently and looking so handsome and dignified. Every head was uncovered as he stepped out of the carriage, with the air of an emperor, and walked up to me. "Ah, Horgan," he