216 Tom Seven Years Old.

 

drank Matty and Jim’s health; and then
Tom’s papa lifted him upon the table, and
told him to make a speech.

“What shall I say?” whispered Tom.

“ Anything you like,” said his papa.

Tom always liked speaking, because he
always had a great deal to say; and the more
people he had to hear him say it, of course,
the better he liked it.

“ Matty’s husband,” he began, “ I’m talking
to you, though everybody else may listen.
Please, make Matty happy. Old Benjamin
will feel happier if she is happy also. I
wanted to marry Matty myself, but I’m not
tall enough yet. When I come back from
school I shall be much taller, and then I
mean to marry her. What are you laughing
at? I didn’t intend to say anything funny.
Papa has just whispered to me to wish you
some good wishes, It isn’t Christmas, or I
should wish you many happy returns, but I
hope you and Matty may have a great many
more weddings, and that I may always be
allowed to dance at them. Don’t laugh; I