5?/pAy 29. A Dark Night Alphy recalls the night before the wedding. He had gone to visit Margurita . Alphy felt like 'a kid at Christmas' waiting in anticipation. He could hardly wait to take Margurita for his bride. Tonight, Alphy stayed only for a short visit, as everyone in the household seemed to be bustling about with preparations for the wedding. Even Evangeline seemed to have warmed up to the idea of Alphy marrying her daughter. Alphy said good-night to Margurita . She too seemed excited. Alphy thought, "The next time I see her will be at our wedding." Alphy stepped outside. The night was completely black. He started walking down the lane, still thinking about Margurita . Oops.... suddenly, Alphy couldn't feel the ground beneath him. He had fallen into the ditch. He had been so preoccupied with thoughts of Margurita , he had missed the lane. Alphy picked himself up, dusted himself off and climbed out of the ditch. The night was still pitch black. He could blame his fall on the darkness. Later, when Alphy told Margurita about his fall, she laughed and commented," A little bit more I was marrying a lame duck." 57