Then the talk became less intelligible. The first symptom of returning rationality was her inquiry—
"What sort of a journey did you have back?"
"The sea was rough, but I'm a good sailor."
"And the poor fellow's father and mother?"
"I wrote you about them."
"So you did; but only just a line."
"Oh, don't let us talk about the subject just now, dear, it's too painful. Come, let me kiss that little woe-begone look out of your eyes. There! Now, another—that was only for the right eye, this is for the left. But where's your mother?"
"Oh, you innocent!" she replied. "As if you hadn't watched her go out of the house!"
"'Pon my honor, not," he said smiling. "Why should I now? Am I not the accepted son-in-law of the house, you silly timid little thing? What a happy thought it was of yours to let the cat out of the bag. Come, let me give you another kiss for it—Oh, I really must. You deserve it, and whatever it costs me you shall be rewarded. There! Now, then! Where's the old man? I have to receive his blessing, I know, and I want to get it over."
"It's worth having, I can tell you, so speak more respectfully," said
Hannah, more than half in earnest.