And here's five sticks o' barley-sugar, one for every stitch, and thank you kindly, Mrs.Moorsom, too.' Philip took the handkerchief and hoped he had made honourable amends for his want of recognition.

But the wee lassie refused to be lifted down, and whispered something afresh into her mother's ear, who smiled and bade her be quiet.

Philip saw, however, that there was some wish ungratified on the part of the little maiden which he was expected to inquire into, and, accordingly, he did his duty.
'She's a little fool; she says yo' promised to gi'e her a kiss, and t' make her yo'r wife.' The child burrowed her face closer into her mother's neck, and refused to allow the kiss which Philip willingly offered.

All he could do was to touch the back of the little white fat neck with his lips.

The mother carried her off only half satisfied, and Philip felt that he must try and collect his scattered wits, and be more alive to the occasion.
Towards the dinner-hour the crowd slackened; Hester began to replenish decanters and bottles, and to bring out a fresh cake before she went home to dinner; and Coulson and Philip looked over the joint present they always made to her on this day.