John Peerybingle would have caught her in his arms; but no, she wouldn’t let him.
“Wait a minute, please, John dear, until you let me hear you tell me that you believe me, and trust me, and that you know how much I love you—so much that I’ll never have another secret from you; and that you’ll never, never think of sending me from my home, and yours, John, and our cricket on the hearth.”
Then you would have been delighted to see Dot run into the carrier’s arms. You may be sure the carrier was in a state of perfect rapture; and you may be sure that everybody, especially Miss Slowboy, wept for joy, and she, wishing to include the baby, handed him around to everyone in succession as if he were something to eat or drink.
But now the sound of wheels was heard again outside the door, and somebody exclaimed that Gruff and Tackleton was coming back in. Soon he appeared, looking warm and flustered.
“My, what in nation’s this, John Peerybingle!” said Tackleton. “There’s some mistake. I had an appointment with Miss Fielding to meet me at the church, and—oh, here she is!” seeing her with Edward, to whom he then turned, saying:
“I beg your pardon, sir; I haven’t the pleasure of knowing you; but if you can do me the favor to spare this young lady—she has a rather particular engagement with me this morning.”
“But I can’t spare her,” said Edward. “I couldn’t think of it.”
“What do you mean, you vagabond?” exclaimed Tackleton.
“I mean—and I pardon you for being vexed—I mean that I am as deaf to your harsh words as I was last night.”