you are always quarreling; you thrashed our carter last Candlemas."

"He spoke saucy words about you."

Susan, smiling inwardly, made her face as repulsive outside as lay in
her power.

"I don't believe it," said Susan; "your time was come round to fight
and be a ruffian, and so it was to-day, no doubt."

"Ah!" said George, sorrowfully, "it is always poor George that does
all the wrong.

"Oh!" replied the lady, an arch smile playing for a moment about her
lips, "I could scold William, too, if you think I am as much
interested in his conduct and behavior as in yours."

"No, no!" cried George, brightening up, "don't think to scold anybody
but me, Susan; and William," said he, suddenly and frankly, "I ask
your pardon."

"No more about it, George, if you please," answered William in his
dogged way.

"Susan," said George, "you don't know all I have to bear. My heart is
sore, Susan, dear. Uncle twitted me not an hour ago with my ill luck,
and almost bade me to speak to you no more, leastways as my
sweetheart; and that was why, when William came at me on the top of
such a blow, it was more than I could bear; and Susan--Susan--uncle
said you would stand to whatever he said."