"He would welcome it," said Mr. Nugent, positively. "There is nothing
that he would like better; and I don't mind telling you a secret--she
likes you."

Hardy reddened. "How do you know?" he stammered.

"I know it for a fact," said the other, impressively. "I have heard her
say so. But you've been very plain-spoken about me, Jem, so that I shall
say what I think."

"Do," said his bewildered friend.

"I think you'd be throwing yourself away," said Nugent; "to my mind it's
a most unsuitable match in every way. She's got no money, no looks, no
style. Nothing but a good kind heart rather the worse for wear. I
suppose you know she's been married once?"

"_What!_" shouted the other. "_Married?_"

Mr. Nugent nodded. His face was perfectly grave, but the joke was
beginning to prey upon his vitals in a manner which brooked no delay.

"I thought everybody knew it," he said. "We have never disguised the
fact. Her husband died twenty years ago last----"

"Twenty" said his suddenly enlightened listener. "Who?--What?"

Mr. Nugent, incapable of reply, put his head on the table and beat the
air frantically with his hand, while gasping sobs rent his tortured
frame.