It isn't the first time I've showed it, I should think." "Then I'm very sorry.

I'm real sorry." The words fell gently, and one might have thought that Mrs.Clover was softening the rejection of a tender proposal made to herself.
"You mean it's no good ?" said the man.
"Not the least, not a bit.

And never could be." Mr.Gammon nodded several times, as if calculating the force of the blow, and nerving himself to bear it.
"Well, if you say it," he replied at length, "I suppose it's a fact--but I call it hard lines.

Ever since I was old enough to think of marrying I've been looking out for the right girl--always looking out, and now I thought I'd found her.

Hanged if it isn't hard lines! I could have married scores--scores; but do you suppose I'd have a girl that showed she was only waiting for me to say the word?
Not me! That's what took me in Minnie.