Forsyth looked for a moment earnestly at his friend.
"I mean," continued Ruby, in some confusion, "did she look bright when she spoke of my bein' away?"
"No lad, it was when she spoke of you comin' back; but I could see that her good spirits was partly put on to keep up the old woman."
For a moment or two the friends remained silent.
Suddenly Forsyth kid his hand on the other's shoulder, and said impressively: "Ruby Brand, it's my belief that that girl is rather fond of you."
Ruby looked up with a bright smile, and said, "D'you think so? Well, d'ye know, I believe she is."
"Upon my word, youngster," exclaimed the other, with a look of evident disgust, "your conceit is considerable. I had thought to be somewhat confidential with you in regard to this idea of mine, but you seem to swallow it so easy, and to look upon it as so natural a thing, that—that—Do you suppose you've nothin' to do but ask the girl to marry you and she'll say 'Yes' at once?"
"I do," said Ruby quietly; "nay, I am sure of it."
Forsyth's eyes opened very wide indeed at this. "Young man," said he, "the sea must have washed all the modesty you once had out of you——"
"I hope not," interrupted the other, "but the fact is that I put the question you have supposed to Minnie long ago, and she did say 'Yes' to it then, so it's not likely she's goin' to draw back now."