“I never thought it was, sir; but me and Judy’s to go at once—anywhere, for aught she cares. She’d like me to emigrate, I think.”
“No, don’t do that, Ben. England’s big enough.”
“For some people, sir. I don’t know as it is for me. Well, sir, I’m sacked, and I dare say it will be a long time before anyone will take me on. My character usen’t to be of the best, and the reasons for going ’ll be again me. Of course you know why it is.”
“Well—er—I suppose—”
“That’ll do, sir. You know well enough, it’s about you and my Judy.”
The captain laughed.
“There, sir, you needn’t shuffle with me. I’m my gal’s father, and we may as well understand one another.”
“My good fellow, recollect whom you are talking to,” said the captain, haughtily.
“I do, sir. My late missus’s son; and I recollect that I’m nobody’s servant now, only an Englishman as can speak out free like. So I say this out plain. Of course, after what’s been going on, you mean to marry my Judith?”
“Marry her? Well—er—Ben—”