“I don't know what you are laughing at; and then, says I, it is his own house, after all, so I said, 'If I am wrong, and you don't mean to undermine my brother, take my hand;' and I gave it him.”
“And he refused it?”
“No, Susan!”
“Well, then—”
“But, Susan,” said William, solemnly, “his hand lay in mine like a stone.”
“Really, now!”
“A lump of ice would be as near the mark.”
“Well! is that the reason you promised me?” William nodded.
“William, you are a fool.”
“Oh I am a fool now?”