I was very happy to hear this--I was very happy to hear that a man, whom I really liked so well, had got the better of a passion for a woman who I knew was utterly incapable of being to him what his romantic high-flown notions required a wife to be.

"If this happy result," I said to myself, "can be rendered the more sure by ridicule, that shall not be wanting.

Meanwhile, I will sue for peace, and see how it came about." I rose again and saw he had got his other boot half off, and was watching for me.

"Jim," said I, "you ain't angry because I laughed at you, are you ?" "Angry!" he answered.

"I am never angry with you, and you know it.