My decision was hastily and nor wisely taken.

The one fellow spat on his tip (so he called it) for luck; the other developing a sudden streak of piety, prayed God bless me with fervour.

It seemed a demonstration was brewing, and I determined to be off at once.

Bidding my own post-boy and Rowley be in readiness for an immediate start, I reascended the terrace and presented myself, hat in hand, before Mr.Greensleeves and the archdeacon.
'You will excuse me, I trust,' said I.

'I think shame to interrupt this agreeable scene of family effusion, which I have been privileged in some small degree to bring about.' And at these words the storm broke.
'Small degree! small degree, sir!' cries the father; 'that shall not pass, Mr.St.Eaves! If I've got my darling back, and none the worse for that vagabone rascal, I know whom I have to thank.