Sure I felt much surprised when I heard he was going
To marry dame Neale, for I thought he was sowing
All the seeds of affection in little Joan's heart.
But most likely they've quarrelled, and settled to part."
"Hush," said Jonas; "the Abbot is speaking again;
That a screw has got loose appears perfectly plain.
How I wish I could speak with the dame all alone!
I should learn rather more, then, concerning poor Joan.
But he seems in a hurry to marry them, now,—
I've a good mind to stop him, but don't like a row."