have said, gentlemen (for, as you know, this kind of young women
are rare ones to talk), if the old gentleman hadn't cut in
suddenly, and asked Tom if he'd have her, with ten pounds to
recompense him for his loss of time and disappointment, and as a
kind of bribe to keep the story secret.

'"It don't much matter, Sir," says Tom, "I ain't long for this
world. Eight weeks of marriage, especially with this young woman,
might reconcile me to my fate. I think," he says, "I could go off
easy after that." With which he embraces her with a very dismal
face, and groans in a way that might move a heart of stone - even
of philosopher's stone.

'"Egad," says the old gentleman, "that reminds me - this bustle put
it out of my head - there was a figure wrong. He'll live to a
green old age - eighty-seven at least!"

'"How much, Sir?" cries Tom.

'"Eighty-seven!" says the old gentleman.

'Without another word, Tom flings himself on the old gentleman's
neck; throws up his hat; cuts a caper; defies the waiting-maid; and
refers her to the butcher.

'"You won't marry her!" says the old gentleman, angrily.

'"And live after it!" says Tom. "I'd sooner marry a mermaid with a
small-tooth comb and looking-glass."