'I am not exactly the person to tell you to do so; but though I honour your conduct with all my heart, I think the mutual uncertainty is causing you both much unnecessary unhappiness and anxiety.'
'I can answer for one! But she? People always preach that long engagements wear out a girl's life.'
'If you were sixteen and thirteen over again, I should say, "Don't!" very decidedly; but having gone so far, I think you had best go on. I really believe that not only would an understanding be a great present relief, but that an avowed engagement would be a great comfort and protection to her.'
'I'll never let her go back to that drudgery!' cried Will.
'That you must settle with her,'
'Then I have your sanction?'
'Yes; but I'm not your father!'
'Oh! he'll be jolly and glad! He never interferes with anything in reason! I wonder how Wilmet will look!'
'That must be ascertained by experiment. We must shut up now, Will, or poor Tedo will have another restless night. Good-night!'
'Pah! I should like to go out and halloo!'