But she made no answer.
"In case he should consent--" "He never will," interrupted Winifred.
"In case he _should_, I say," continued Thames, "will _you_ promise to let Jack Sheppard take my place in your affections, Winny ?" "Never!" replied the little damsel, "I can never love any one so much as you." "Excepting your father." Winifred was going to say "No," but she checked herself; and, with cheeks mantling with blushes, murmured, "I wish you wouldn't tease me about Jack Sheppard." The foregoing conversation, having been conducted throughout in a low tone, and apart, had not reached the ears of Mr.and Mrs.Wood, who were, furthermore, engaged in a little conjugal _tete-a-tete_ of their own.

The last observation, however, caught the attention of the carpenter's wife.
"What's that you're saying about Jack Sheppard ?" she cried.
"Thames was just observing--" "Thames!" echoed Mrs.Wood, glancing angrily at her husband.

"There's another instance of your wilfulness and want of taste.

Who but _you_ would have dreamed of giving the boy such a name?
Why, it's the name of a river, not a Christian.

No gentleman was ever called Thames, and Darrell _is_ a gentleman, unless the whole story of his being found in the river is a fabrication!" "My dear, you forget--" "No, Mr.Wood, I forget nothing.