Some declared that he put a pistol to Mr.
George's ear, and under pressure of that persuader got him into the presence of a clergyman, when he turned sulky; and when the pistol was again produced, the ceremony would have been performed, had not the outraged Church cried out for help.

Some vowed that Mr.George had referred all questions implying a difference between himself and Mel to their mutual fists for decision.

At any rate, Mr.George turned up in Fallow field subsequently; the fair Louisa, unhurt and with a quiet mind, in Lymport; and this amount of truth the rumours can be reduced to--that Louisa and Mr.George had been acquainted.

Rumour and gossip know how to build: they always have some solid foundation, however small.

Upwards of twelve years had run since Louisa went to the wife of the brewer--a period quite long enough for Mr.George to forget any one in; and she was altogether a different creature; and, as it was true that Mr.George was a dull one, she was, after the test she had put him to, justified in hoping that Mel's progeny might pass unchallenged anywhere out of Lymport.