Luckily my marriage with him next week was to have been by licence, and not banns, as in John's case; and it was not so well known on that account.

Still, I don't know what to think.' 'Everything seems to come just 'twixt cup and lip with 'ee, don't it now, Miss Paddock.

Two weddings broke off--'tis odd! How came you to accept Mr.Miller, my dear ?' 'He's been so good and faithful! Not minding about the child at all; for he knew the rights of the story.

He's dearly fond o' Johnny, you know--just as if 'twere his own--isn't he, my duck?
Do Mr.Miller love you or don't he ?' 'Iss! An' I love Mr.Miller,' said the toddler.
'Well, you see, Mrs.Stone, he said he'd make me a comfortable home; and thinking 'twould be a good thing for Johnny, Mr.Miller being so much better off than me, I agreed at last, just as a widow might--which is what I have always felt myself; ever since I saw what I thought was John's name printed there.

I hope John will forgive me!' 'So he will forgive 'ee, since 'twas no manner of wrong to him.