"It is my lady; O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!"
Romeo and Juliet, Act II. sc. ii.
"Now, Jess, buck up, my girl! I've brought a companion home with me to-night to have a bit of supper and a smoke, so look alive."
"All right, dad! Don't make a fuss about such a trifle," was the response.
"Come along, Fellows; don't stand outside like that, man alive! Come in, and make yourself at home."
The frugal board was soon spread with the customary evening meal, which Russell and his daughter were in the habit of partaking alone, but which on the evening in question he had invited Fellows to join them in.
When this was finished, the table cleared, and the pipes lighted, the woman's fingers found full employment upon garments which needed repairing, whilst the men occupied their time in discussing the events of the day, only occasionally allowing those of the larger outer world to engage their attention, since those were matters about which they heard at very irregular intervals.
Fellows had not yet found that convenient opportunity he had given Ranger to understand he was waiting for, that he might make Jessie the confidante of his most cherished desires.
And now, with the father present, he did not feel that this was an opportune moment.
"Puffey was telling me yesterday about the proposal he had made to you of joining their force. Do you intend giving that proposal any serious consideration?"
"Well, I scarcely know," laughingly replied Fellows.