"'Oh, no, no,' said Sam; 'that would never have done. You could never have kept your hands off the tiller. If he had known what was good for him he would have married her.' These words he spoke in a confidential tone, and pointed with his thumb behind him. 'But he had the chance, and he didn't take it, and now I don't wonder he's doleful.'
"'You ought to go and try to cheer him up,' said Miss Denby, gathering up the reins. 'Do you expect to go on keeping this toll-gate, Mr. Twitty?'
"'I'd like to,' said Sam, 'if you're goin' to keep on travellin' this way.'
"'Oh!' said Miss Denby, with a reproving smile.
"'Yes, indeed,' said Sam; 'for it reminds me of such a happy day.'
"'Oh!' said Miss Denby, as she drove away with her nose in the air.
"A few days after this Sam did go to Shamrick, and walking on the street he met Captain Abner; but, to his surprise, that individual did not look at all doleful. There was a half-smile on his lips, and his step was buoyant. The two old friends clasped hands with much heartiness.
"'You are as gay as a pot of red paint,' said Sam. 'You must be feelin' well.'
"'I should say so,' said Abner; and then, after a portentous pause, he added: 'I've got her.'
"'Got her!' exclaimed Sam, in amazement. 'Where did you get her?'