I tell you what it is, Captain Niel, you had better be careful; if that girl isn't in love with you she is something very like it.

A girl does not pop over like that for Dick, Tom, or Harry.

You must forgive an old woman like me for speaking out plain, but she is an odd girl is Jess, just like ten women rolled into one so far as her mind goes, and if you don't take care you will get into trouble, which will be rather awkward, as you are going to marry her sister.

Jess isn't the one to have a bit of a flirt to pass away the time and have done with it, I can tell you;" and she shook her head solemnly, as though she suspected him of trifling with his future sister-in-law's young affections, then, without waiting for an answer, she turned and went into the cottage.
As for John, he only groaned.

What could he do but groan?
The thing was self-evident, and if ever a man felt ashamed of himself that man was John Niel.