But all at once, I couldn't abide the chap.

'Sir,' says I, trying to look shame-faced as became the occasion, but for all that, feeling a twittering round my mouth that I were afeard might end in a laugh--'Master Dixon, I'm obleeged to you for the compliment, and thank ye all the same, but I think I'd prefer a single life.' He looked mighty taken aback; but in a minute he cleared up, and was as sweet as ever.

He still kept on his knees, and I wished he'd take himself up; but, I reckon, he thought it would give force to his words; says he, 'Think again, my dear Sally.

I've a four-roomed house, and furniture conformable; and eighty pound a year.

You may never have such a chance again.' There were truth enough in that, but it was not pretty in the man to say it; and it put me up a bit.