significant look.

"You don't say so? You don't think so?" cried Marvel, with great
emotion. "I say what I think; and, if I may trust a woman's looks, I've
some reason for my thoughts."

Marvel took up the tankard which stood on the table, and swallowed down
a hasty draught; and then said, though with an altered voice, "Cousin
Wright, let him who can win her, wear her, as I said before. I sha'n't
quarrel with you if you deal fairly by me; so tell me honestly, did you
never see her before this morning?"

"Never, as I am an honest man," said Wright.

"Then, here's my hand for you," said Marvel. "All's fair and handsome on
your part. Happen what may, as I said before, I will not quarrel with
you. If she was decreed to fall in love with you at first sight, why
that's no fault of yours; and if she tells me so fairly, why no great
fault of hers. She has encouraged me a little; but still women will
change their minds, and I shall not call her a jilt if she speaks
handsomely to me. It will go a little to my heart at first, no doubt;
but I shall bear it like a man, I hope; and I shall not quarrel with
you, cousin Wright, whatever else I do."

Marvel shook Wright's hand heartily; but turned away directly
afterwards, to hide his agitation.

"Why now, cousin Marvel, you are a good fellow; that's the truth of it,"
said Wright. "Trust to me: and, if the girl is what you think her, you
shall have her: that I promise you."