‘Say to-morrow, Ruby, and I’ll not be agen it,’ said John Crumb, slapping his thigh.

’I won’t say to-morrow, Mr Crumb, nor yet the day after to-morrow, nor yet no day at all.  I’m not going to have you.  I’ve told you as much before.’

‘That was only in fun, loike.’

’Then now I tell you in earnest.  There’s some folk wants such a deal of telling.’

‘You don’t mean,—­never?’

‘I do mean never, Mr Crumb.’

’Didn’t you say as you would, Ruby?  Didn’t you say so as plain as the nose on my face?’ John as he asked these questions could hardly refrain from tears.

‘Young women is allowed...