"The Captain's nautical language confuses the young lady," observed Mr. Hardcase.
"Come, don't blush like that, Helen," said Dr. Bleedem, "or I shall think you've got the scarlet fever, and shall be obliged to bleed you."
"Fairest of thy sex," said little Mr. Jollytoast, going down on one knee before the maiden and placing his hand on his heart in the manner of a stage lover, which added to the girl's confusion ten-fold; "say not nay, prithee, say not nay."
"Come, Jollytoast," said Parnassus, "see you not that she will not be courted by importunities. Give the muse time for inspiration."
The members desisted from further persecution, and a slight pause ensued, which was broken by McGuilp, who, squeezing the maiden's hand, whispered, "For my sake, Helen."
The girl blushed deeper still, looked down, and a subdued sigh might have been noticed by the observer.
At length she looked up imploringly, and said, "But what story shall I tell? I know none."
"Oh, nonsense! Come, think," said various members at once.
The girl appeared thoughtful for some moments, then, after giving a half-bashful smile at our artist, turned towards the company, and said, "I will tell you one that my grandmother told me when I was a little thing, if you would care to hear it."
"Too delighted, Helen," said several voices.