“’Tis some good thing,” says he. “I’d like wonderful well t’ know.”

I could but sigh.

“Dannie,” says he, in his wisdom, “you’ve growed wonderful fond o’ Judy, isn’t you?”

124

“I’m t’ wed Judy,” I answered.

’Twas with no unkindness––but with a sly twinkle of understanding––that he looked upon me.

“When I grows up,” I added, for his comfort.

“No, no!” says he. “You’ll never wed Judith. A gentleman? ’Twould scandalize Chesterfield.”

“I will,” said I.

“You’ll not!” cries he, in earnest.