“And you were somewhat irregular, I dare swear?”
“Well, I wasn't regularly irregular, dear, only by fits and starts. Ah, what I said to myself was: 'I've put the stockings on Nell, but I've to get the shoes for her yet.' That's what gave me the strength of ten men—working for those shoes, Nell.”
“Poor Dick! and now when you come home, you find that I am already provided for.”
Again she showed him the dainty tips of her shoes.
“Those are fair weather shoes, Nell,” he cried.
“Ay, that they are, Dick,” she assented, with a note of sadness in her voice.
“But what I would offer you would stand the stress of all weather—fair or foul, Nell.”
“I believe you, Dick, with all my heart. I know what you had to offer me; but it 's too late now, too late, Dick.”
“Too late? What do you mean, girl?”
The look that came into his face frightened her. She threw herself back on the settee and laughed loudly for a minute or two.