"'She's goin' to swap him for one with still longer legs,' I says.
'Lizzie is engaged to a gentleman o' fortune in the old country.'

"Dan's face began to stretch out long as if it was made of
injy-rubber.

"'It's too bad,' says he. 'Lizzie is a good-hearted girl, if she is
spoilt.'

"'Fine girl!' I says. 'An', Dan, I was in hopes that she would
discover her own folly before it was too late. But she saw that
others had begun to push her in the race an' that she had to let
out another link or fall behind.'

"'Well, I wish her happiness,' says Dan, with a sigh.

"'Go an' tell her so,' I says. 'Show her that you have some care
as to whether she lives or dies.'

"I could see that his feelin's had been honed 'til they were sharp
as a razor.

"'I've seen that fellow,' he says, 'an' he'll never marry Lizzie if
I can prevent it. I hate the looks of him. I shall improve the
first opportunity I have to insult him.'

"'That might be impossible,' I suggested.

"'But I'll make the effort,' says Dan.