they were betrothed.


CHAPTER THIRD.

WHERE THE WOODBINE TWINETH.

Notwithstanding the thrilling events enacted near by, that modest
production of Nature, the woodbine, still continued to twine in all its
pristine virginity. And meanwhile, JEFFRY MAULBOY is at the appointed
rendezvous, waiting for ANN BRUMMET.

She comes.

But why that glazed expression, and that convulsive twitching of the
lips?

She is chewing gum.

"Hilloa, JEFF," said she. "Mean thing. Been here a whole day, and not a
single word about my new overskirt. How does it hang behind?"

What reply does this cruel, this heartless man make?

He took a chew of tobacco, and said:

"Oh, bother your overskirt. Is that the 'something very particular' you
wanted to see me for?"

"Oh no," she replied; "I forgot." She looked cautiously round, and