"America? None in the least.—With you for a companion, America would be a Paradise. A regular garden of, what do you call it, my dear? Only say the word, my darling."
The major's arm was gently insinuated round the lady's waist, and after a few moments she spoke.
"Major Bounce, I—I have made money."
"The devil!—so have I, but the police one day—a-hem!—a-hem!—what a cough I have."
"What on earth do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing—nothing—only a joke. You said you had made money, and that put me in mind of what I read in the 'Chronicle' to-day of some coiners, that's all. Ha-ha!"
"When I spoke of making money, I meant in the way of trade, but having made it, I should not like to spend it in London, and be pointed out as the well-known pie-woman."
"Pie-woman! Oh, the wretches—only let—"
"Peace. Hold your tongue, and hear me out. If I marry and retire, it will be far from here—very far indeed."
"Ah, any land, with you." The major absolutely saluted the lady.