"I could almost forgive the wretch the injury he did me in depriving me of my poor dear wife--No, not quite _that_," he added, a little confused.
"And now," said Thames, (for we must still preserve the name,) "you will no longer defer my happiness." "Hold!" interposed Winifred, gravely.

"I release you from your promise.
A carpenter's daughter is no fit match for a peer of France." "If my dignity must be purchased by the loss of you, I renounce it," cried Thames.

"You will not make it valueless in my eyes," he added, catching her in his arms, and pressing her to his breast.
"Be it as you please," replied Winifred.

"My lips would belie my heart were I to refuse you." "And now, father, your blessing--your consent!" cried Thames.
"You have both," replied Wood, fervently.

"I am too much honoured--too happy in the union.