Susan, who was looking at George, remonstrated loudly, "How can you be
so silly, George! I am sure that is the last idea poor William--"

George drew her attention to William by a wave of the hand.

She held her tongue in a moment, and turned very red, and lowered her
eyes to the ground. It was a very painful situation--to none more than
to Meadows, who was waiting his turn.

George continued: "Oh, it is not to reproach you, my poor lad. Who
could be near her, and not warm to her? But she is my lass, Will, and
no other man's. It is three years since she said the word. And though
it was my hard luck there should be some coolness between us this
bitter day, she will think of me when the ocean rolls between us if no
villain undermines me--"

"Villain! George!" groaned William. "That is a word I never thought to
hear from you."

"That's why I speak in time," said George. "I do suppose I am safe
against villainy here." And his eye swept lightly over both the men.
"Anyway, it shan't be a _mis_take or a _mis_understanding; it
shall be villainy if _'tis_ done. Speak, Susanna Merton, and speak
your real mind once for all."

"Oh! George," cried Susan, fluttering with love; "you shall not go in
doubt of me. We are betrothed this three years, and I never regretted
my choice a single moment. I never saw, I never shall see, the man I
could bear to look on beside you, my beautiful George. Take my ring
and my promise, George." And she put her ring on his little finger and