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"For a mate, and for a ring."

THE CEREMONY.

As they emerged into the open space before the chancel, and came, into the full sight of the audience, irrepressible exclamations of delighted astonishment tinkled all over the house; ladies stood on tip-toe, some daring ones of small stature actually mounting the seats, so eager in their pleasurable excitement to see, that they overlooked the possibility of being seen, and masculine necks were stretched as far as white neck ties would permit. And yet no sooner had the four tiny mites arranged themselves in the prescribed form for the marital ceremony, than the voice of the Rev. Mr. Willey, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, secured perfect silence, and reverent attention, while in the hearts of all the "goodlie companie" of "fair women and brave men " gathered there, arose a prayerful wish for the perfect peace and prosperity of the fairy like pair. The bride was given away at the request of her parents, by the Rev. Dr. Putman, of Middleboro, and the words of the service were repeated with audible distinctness by both bride and groom, each seeming to deeply realize the solemnity of the hour. Their manner was marked by that courtly ease and self possession which can only be obtained by intercourse with the world and indifference to crowds. The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Dr. Taylor, Rector of Grace Church, whereupon the General saluted his wife with an honest kiss, the last of nearly three million pressed in public upon the lips of his lady admirers.

THEIR COSTUMES.

General Thumb looked the respectable gentleman in miniature, a full dress suit of the finest broad cloth, vest of white corded silk, with blue silk under vest, white gloves and shining boots.

Commodore Nutt was similarly attired, with a pink under vest, typifing easy hopes, as the blue of the groom spoke of secured happiness.

The graceful form of the lady bride was displayed to peculiar advantage in her bridal robe of snowy satin, its skirt, fashioned with a flowing train, was decorated with a superb point lace flounce, which cost its half hundred a yard. This was bended by tulle and satin touillouns. The decalleti corsage was adorned with a berthe en suite. Her massive hair, slightly waved, was rolled a la Eugenie in front, and elaborately puffed in noeuds behind, forming the outspread wings of a butterfly; with these the bridal veil was interwoven, and fell

"Mellowing all that pomp and light
Into something meekly bright."

Above her brow sparkled a diamond star, while natural orange blossoms "breathed their lives out sweetly there" and mingled their fragrance with the soft sighs of her gentle bosom. Roses and japonicas composed a star-shaped bouquet, which she held in her just bestowed hand. White satin slippers, with rosettes and ornaments of seed pearls and lace, the inevitable and tiny white gloves and a point lace mouchoir, fit to absorb the sighs of an air sprite, completed a costume at once tasteful and becoming. The brides jewels consisted of a complete parure of diamonds, comprising a superb necklace, with pendants like strung dew-drops; bracelets and broach of star design; earrings, solitaires, with pear-shaped pendants, while two diamond pins fastened the mystic Veil.

The tiny bridesmaid, who had just attained sweet sixteen, wore a white silk dress covered with tulle puffings, interspersed with bright rosebuds, the low-necked corsage having a berthe to match. A wreath of small roses rested on her short curls, and unobtrusive diamond ornaments completed her toilette.

As they left the church, Morgans organ rolled out the inspiring harmony of Mendelssohn's Wedding March, to whose grand measure Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Stratton, no longer twain but one flesh, marched down the aisle. Re-entering the carriages in waiting, they were rapidly driven through the animated crowds that nearly blocked Broadway, to the Metropolitan Hotel, where they "received" their "clear five thosand friends," from one until three o'clock." Here they melted like quicksilver through the yielding crowd, which rained down upon them a shower of compliments and a storm of searching glances. "Isn't she pretty!" "How graceful!" "How beautiful!" "How queenly!" "How matronly!" "How charming!" "Dear little creatures!" "Was there ever anything so lovely?" "Was there ever such a picture ?" "Isn't it nice?" "What a manly bearing he has!" "It's like a fairy scene!" "Isn't it wonderful!" "Did you ever?" &c., &c. Amid all of which the smiling twins -- for such they seemed -- were eventually guided to their pedestal, the piano, on which they were speedily raised by the athlete Dibblee, and all was ready for receiving the visitors with a nod, or a shake of the hand, as the circumstances might prompt. The General and his lady had a smile and a bow for all, and manifested so much spirit, gaiety, and life, that all were charmed beyond measure; in fact, Mr. and Mrs. Stratton acted as if they had been in the habit of being married. The veteran Commodore Nutt occupied his position on the right of the groom, and the petite Minnie Warren on the left of the bride, with becoming gravity, and were likewise the centre of attraction. Of course there were many suggestions that they would form the next match, to all of which they replied good-naturedly.