That would have been rather hard on a fellow." Thomas Payne fairly laughed, although his handsome face was white.

"I hope it will all come right betwixt you and Barney, Charlotte," he said, "and don't you worry about me, I shall get on.

I'll own this seems a little harder than it was before, but I shall get on." Thomas brushed his bell hat carefully with his cambric handkerchief, and stowed it under his arm.

"Good-bye, Charlotte," said he, in his old gay voice; "when you ask me, I'll come and dance at your wedding." Charlotte got up, trembling.

Thomas reached out his hand and touched her smooth fair head softly.