re. But with the thought in her
head that her master had been fighting a duel, and all about her, she'd
be as conceited, the house wouldn't hold her. She _goes_: now, it's no
use talking, of _that_ I'm determined."

"And so because a foolish young man--not but what he's a very good
fellow--_will_ write letters to a silly girl"--

"Oh, never tell me! He'd never have sent letters and nosegays to _such_
a person, if she hadn't encouraged him."

"Ha! that's how you women help one another! The man begins the injury,
and the sister-woman finishes it. No, LOTTY; you'll do nothing of the
sort. You'll not part with JOSEPHINE; and, more than that, you'll see
young BLISS to-day. Who'd have thought to fight the brother of"--

"The fisherwoman? Well, it's very odd; I must say it's odd: and if I
_do_ consent to see him, I know I shall only be laughed at."

"Do what's right, LOTTY; and then you may laugh with the laughers."

Now there was such good sense in this, that what could I say? Why, I
didn't know; so I just put my arm about his neck.

"Yes, my love, and you'll not crush poor TRUEPENNY"--

"Now, don't ask me that, FRED; that is really too much."

"They'll both be here to-day; and, come, I'll strike a bargain with you,
LOTTY?"

"A bargain?" said I. "Why, what's the use, FRED, when you always get the
best of it? Well, I'm in a foolish good temper, so what is it?"

"If you'll receive young BLISS"--

"But is it really true that MISS BLISS--the young lady with the
artificial flies--is going to be married? Really true?"

"I've told you, I hear next week. That fine young fellow we saw at the
church, he's the man. When _their_ honeymoon is over, I intend to ask
them, and young BLISS, too, to _The Flitch_."

"Well?" said I, a little relenting. "And now your bargain?"

"You'll see young BLISS and TRUEPENNY--they'll be here to lunch--and
we'll start for home, by the first stage to-day, directly afterwards. Is
it a bargain?"

"It's two days earlier than we're looked for," said I.

"Very well, let us stop out the time here," cried FRED.

"Not another hour. No; now I shall never be fully happy till I'm at
home. I do verily believe, I shall go upon my knees and kiss the
door-step. So JOSEPHINE has but to bestir herself--I only hope she'll
prove herself worthy of the confidence we place in her; but it's a risk,
FRED; depend on it, 'tis a risk."

With this I ran away to my room, and made JOSEPHINE comfortable, telling
her