'
'But I can't spare her,' returned Edward. 'I
couldn't think of it.'
'What do you mean, you vagabond? said
Tackleton.
'I mean, that as I can make allowance for your
being vexed,' returned the other, with a smile, 'I am
as deaf to harsh discourse this morning, as I was to
all discourse last night.'
The look that Tackleton bestowed upon him, and
the start he gave!
'I am sorry, sir,' said Edward, holding out May's
left hand, and especially the third finger; 'that the
young lady can't accompany you to church; but as
she has been there once, this morning, perhaps you'll
excuse her.'
Tackleton looked hard at the third finger, and took
a little piece of silver paper, apparently containing a
ring, from his waistcoat-pocket.
'Miss Slowboy,' said Tackleton. 'Will you have
the kindness to throw that in the fire? Thank'ee.'
'It was a previous engagement, quite an old engage-
ment, that prevented my wife from keeping her ap-
pointment with you, I assure you,' said Edward
'Mr. Tackleton will do me the justice to acknowl-
edge that I revealed it to him faithfully; and that I
told him, many times, I never could forget it,' said
May, blushing.
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