‘I didn’t see you, miss,’ replied Cornick, turning. ‘Yes, your brother hev’ his eye on a wife, and he deserves one. I hope you don’t mind?’
‘Not in the least,’ she said, with a stage laugh. ‘I am interested, naturally. And what is she?’
‘A very nice young master-baker’s daughter, honey. A very wise choice of the young man’s.’
‘Is she fair or dark?’
‘Her hair is rather light.’
‘I like light hair; and her name?’
‘Her name is Caroline. But can it be that my story hurts ye? If so—’
‘Yes, yes,’ said John, interposing anxiously. ‘We don’t care for more just at this moment.’
‘We do care for more!’ said Anne vehemently. ‘Tell it all, sailor. That is a very pretty name, Caroline. When are they going to be married?’
‘I don’t know as how the day is settled,’ answered Jim, even now scarcely conscious of the devastation he was causing in one fair breast. ‘But from the rate the courting is scudding along at, I should say it won’t be long first.’