"Are you tired of me?" gasped the girl. "Do you wish to be rid of me?"
"Not at all," answered the landlady. "It's becos we're so fond of you, father and I, that we want to see you well settled."
"And father—does he wish me to take Bideabout?"
Mrs. Verstage hesitated.
"He hasn't said that right out. You see he didn't know for certain Jonas were hoppin' about you. But he'd be tremendous pleased to have you well married."
"And you think I should be well married if I became Bideabout's wife?"
"Of course. He's a great catch for the likes of you, who belong to nobody and to no place, properly. Beggars mustn't be choosers."
Mehetabel sprang to her feet.
"It is so. I am a beggar. I am only a charity girl, nothing else."
She struck her head against the wall. "Let me beat my brains out if I am in your way. Why should I be thrown into the arms of any passer-by?