reflected from a glassy floor, in movements timed by the thrilling
beats of the Drum Polka. At last she said slowly, 'Jim, you don't
know the world, and what a woman's wants can be.'

'But I can make you comfortable. I am in lodgings as yet, but I can
have a house for the asking; and as to furniture, you shall choose of
the best for yourself--the very best.'

'The best! Far are you from knowing what that is!' said the little
woman. 'There be ornaments such as you never dream of; work-tables
that would set you in amaze; silver candlesticks, tea and coffee pots
that would dazzle your eyes; tea-cups, and saucers, gilded all over
with guinea-gold; heavy velvet curtains, gold clocks, pictures, and
looking-glasses beyond your very dreams. So don't say I shall have
the best.'

'H'm!' said Jim gloomily; and fell into reflection. 'Where did you
get those high notions from, Margery?' he presently inquired. 'I'll
swear you hadn't got 'em a week ago.' She did not answer, and he
added, 'YEW don't expect to have such things, I hope; deserve them as
you may?'

'I was not exactly speaking of what I wanted,' she said severely. 'I
said, things a woman COULD want. And since you wish to know what I
CAN want to quite satisfy me, I assure you I can want those!'

'You are a pink-and-white conundrum, Margery,' he said; 'and I give
you up for to-night. Anybody would think the devil had showed you
all the kingdoms of the world since I saw you last!'