If, yesterday, I'd have
struck that man down at a blow, who dared to breathe
a word against her, to-day I'd set my foot upon his
face, if he was my brother!'
The Toy-merchant gazed at him in astonishment.
He went on in a softer tone:
'Did I consider,' said the Carrier, 'that I took her
-- at her age, and with her beauty -- from her young
companion, and the many scenes of which she was
the ornament; in which she was the brightest little
star that ever shone, to shut her up from day to day
in my dull house, and keep my tedious company?
Did I consider how little suited I was to her sprightly
humour, and how wearisome a plodding man like me
must be, to one of her quick spirit? Did I consider
that it was no merit in me, or claim in me, that I
loved her, when everybody must, who knew her?
Never. I took advantage of her hopeful nature and
her cheerful disposition; and I married her. I wish
I never had! For her sake; not for mine!'
The Toy-merchant gazed at him, without winking.
Even the half-shut eye was open now.
'Heaven bless her!' said the Carrier, 'for the cheer-
ful constancy with which she tried to keep the knowl-
edge of this from me! And Heaven help me, that,
in my slow mind, I have not found it out before!
Poor child! Poor Dot! I not to find it out, who
have seen her eyes fill with tears, when such a mar-
riage as our own was spoken of! I, who have seen
the secret trembling on her lips a hundred times, and
never suspected it till last night! Poor girl! That
I could ever hope she would be fond of me! That
I could ever believe she was!'
'She made a show of it,' said Tackleton.
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