Long and short was, Burley wanted to take her, and Mel wouldn't let her go.' Mr.George lowered his tone, and mumbled, 'Don't know how to explain it very well before ladies.

What Burley wanted was--it wasn't quite honourable, you know, though there was a good deal of spangles on it, and whether a real H.R.H., or a Marquis, or a Viscount, I can't say, but--the offer was tempting to a tradesman.

"No," says Mel; like a chap planting his flagstaff and sticking to it.

I believe that to get her to go with him, Burley offered to make a will on the spot, and to leave every farthing of his money and property--upon my soul, I believe it to be true--to Mel and his family, if he'd let the gal go.

"No," says Mel.