I can hold my head high enough with the rest of the lasses round the maypole; but somehow, when I approach Catharine, I feel myself an earthly, coarse, ferocious creature, scarce worthy to look on her, much less to contradict the precepts which she expounds to me." "You are an imprudent merchant, Harry Smith," replied Simon, "and rate too high the goods you wish to purchase.

Catharine is a good girl, and my daughter; but if you make her a conceited ape by your bashfulness and your flattery, neither you nor I will see our wishes accomplished." "I often fear it, my good father," said the smith; "for I feel how little I am deserving of Catharine." "Feel a thread's end!" said the glover; "feel for me, friend Smith--for Catharine and me.

Think how the poor thing is beset from morning to night, and by what sort of persons, even though windows be down and doors shut.

We were accosted today by one too powerful to be named--ay, and he showed his displeasure openly, because I would not permit him to gallant my daughter in the church itself, when the priest was saying mass.

There are others scarce less reasonable.