Here the girl burst out laughing.
"Ah, yes! the man like a fat spider."
"His figure has improved since then."
"Whom they consider such a lunatic."
"He is much wiser now."
"And who is always drinking and making merry with peasant girls."
"He has completely changed his mode of life now."
"Ah, my dear guardian, this is only a joke, surely, or, if it be a serious business, you only want to make fun of it. Now, look here, Daddy Boltay, first of all, when I told you to marry and I would be your wife, you said you might be my grandfather, and now you offer me Master Jock as a husband. What do you mean by it?"
Master Boltay was delighted. He laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks. Then the cast-iron truisms of ancient experience were false after all, and it was possible to find one childish soul strong enough to reject the dazzling allurements of wealth, even when it had only to stretch out its hand and find power at the tips of its fingers along with an engagement-ring!
"Look now!" replied Master Boltay; "the gentleman left this ring with me, and I am to send it back in case you reject his offer."