"Well," she said, in reply, "I may have done Jack an injustice. I'll try
to think better of him in future."

"And, if you want an additional inducement to do so, I can tell you
there's no one--not even his mother--whom he loves so well as you."

"Loves!" echoed Winifred, slightly colouring.

"Yes, loves, Winny. Poor fellow! he sometimes indulges the hope of
marrying you, when he grows old enough."

"Thames!"

"Have I said anything to offend you?"

"Oh! no. But if you wouldn't have me positively dislike Jack Sheppard,
you'll never mention such a subject again. Besides," she added, blushing
yet more deeply, "it isn't a proper one to talk upon."

"Well then, to change it," replied Thames, gravely, "suppose I should be
obliged to leave you."

Winifred looked as if she could not indulge such a supposition for a
single moment.

"Surely," she said, after a pause, "you don't attach any importance to
what my mother has just said. _She_ has already forgotten it."

"But _I_ never can forget it, Winny. I will no longer be a burthen to
those upon whom I have no claim, but compassion."