angry. But it would at least be better to do this now than
hereafter. But when four o'clock came no letter had been sent.

Punctually at five the cab set him down at Alexandrina Cottage. How
well he seemed to know the place;--almost as well as though he were
already one of the family. He was shown into the drawing-room, and
whom should he see there, seated with Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Neefit,
but Ontario Moggs. It was clear enough that each of the party was ill
at ease. Neefit welcomed him with almost boisterous hospitality. Mrs.
Neefit merely curtseyed and bobbed at him. Polly smiled, and shook
hands with him, and told him that he was welcome;--but even Polly was
a little beside herself. Ontario Moggs stood bolt upright and made
him a low bow, but did not attempt to speak.

"I hope your father is well," said Ralph, addressing himself to Moggs
junior.

"Pretty well, I thank you," said Mr. Moggs, getting up from his chair
and bowing a second time.

Mr. Neefit waited for a moment or two during which no one except
Ralph spoke a word, and then invited his intended son-in-law to
follow him into the garden. "The fact is," said Neefit winking, "this
is Mrs. N.'s doing. It don't make any difference, you know."

"I don't quite understand," said Ralph.

"You see we've known Onty Moggs all our lives, and no doubt he has
been sweet upon Polly. But Polly don't care for him, mind you. You
ask her. And Mrs. N. has got it into her head that she don't want you
for Polly. But I do, Mr. Newton;--and I'm master."

"I wouldn't for the world make a family quarrel."

"There won't be no quarrelling. It's I as has the purse, and it's the
purse as makes the master, Mr. Newton. Don't you mind Moggs. Moggs is
very well in his way, but he ain't going to have our Polly. Well;--he
come down here to-day, just by chance;--and what did Mrs. N. do
but ask him to stop and eat a bit of dinner! It don't make any
difference, you know. You come in now, and just go on as though Moggs
weren't there. You and Polly shall have it all to yourselves this
evening."

Here was a new feature added to the pleasures of his courtship! He
had a rival,--and such a rival;--his own bootmaker, whom he could
not pay, and whose father had insulted him a day or two since.
Moggs junior would of course know why his customer was dining at
Alexandrina Cottage, and would have his own feelings, too, upon the
occasion.

"Don't you mind him,--no more than nothing," said Neefit,