“Of course I will! He is a better fellow than I took him to be,” said the sensible Augustus. “And here comes Susy,” he added, seeing his sister approaching.
“Susy, we congratulate you,” exclaimed the overjoyed father. “The course of true love runs smoothly a little too soon, eh?”
Susy blushed scarlet.
“Kiss me, my darling girl,” said Mrs. Foxville.
“Bravo!” sang out Augustus.
“But Till must hear the news! Let me fetch Matilda!” And he ran off with all speed, and soon returned with his sister.
“I told you I had something to show you,” said he, addressing Matilda. “Look at that picture! We only want Nat to make us thoroughly jolly. You will make a superb bridesmaid, Till, though I say it!”
“Not I indeed!” replied Matilda, with a grand toss of her head.
“You won’t for Susy?” the terrible Augustus went on. “That’s cruel of you; but I’ll give you a chance. So don’t despair; it’s often a first step to matrimony!”
Matilda bit her lip till it nearly bled, but she suffered not a word to escape her.