Nero almost sank into his boots with excess of enjoyment, but abruptly put on a very agonized face, and showed the whites of his eyes, as Mrs. Dinwiddie looked towards him.
Cully submitted, though with an ill grace, to what was plainly a case of necessity; but he turned, before crossing the threshold, and said to Penrose,—
"I take everybody to witness, Sir, that I prohibit your having anything further to do with my sister. The consequences be on your own head, if you disobey."
"And I, Captain Penrose," said Dinwiddie, "take everybody to witness, that, if, after having paid the court that you have to my daughter, you now refuse to take her as your wife, the consequences, Sir, must be on your own head."
"Sir," said the Captain, "that is the most agreeable threat that I can imagine. I have already committed myself to your daughter."
"Ah! disgraceful!" groaned Mrs. Dinwiddie.
"What do you say to that, Cully?" said the father, as, with no very gentle thrust, he replaced the glazed hat on the youth's head.
Cully kept silent. The recollection of certain debts which could be paid only from the paternal purse inspired a prudent reserve.
"Take him now," said Dinwiddie to the officers; "give him as much gingerbread as he wants, and charge it to me."
Cully and the officers disappeared.