It was a 'ard thing to do, but I've done it." "Do you mean," said Mr.Silk, recovering his voice at last, "do you mean that Amelia would marry me after all ?" "Do I mean ?" repeated Mr.Kybird, naturally indignant that his very plain speaking should be deemed capable of any misconstruction.

"Am I speaking to a stock or a stone, Teddy ?" Mr.Silk took a deep breath, and buttoned up his coat, as though preparing to meet Mr.Nugent there and then in deadly encounter for the person of Miss Kybird.

The colour was back in his cheeks by this time, and his eyes were unusually bright.

He took a step towards Mr.Kybird and, pressing his hand warmly, pushed him back into his seat again.
"There's 'er pride to consider, Teddy," said the latter gentleman, with the whisper of a conspirator.
"She can't stand being talked about all over the town and pointed at." "Let me see anybody a-pointing at 'er," said the truculent Mr.Silk; "let me see 'em, that's all." "That's the way to talk, Teddy," said Mr.Kybird, gazing at him with admiration.
"Talk!" said the heroic Mr.Silk.

"I'll do more than talk." He clenched his fists and paced boldly up and down the hearthrug.
"You leave things to me," said Mr.Kybird, with a confidential wink.
"I'll see that it's all right.