Lord Polperro has his fears, which I have done my best to dispel.

We can but hope, put our trust in the forgiving nature of woman." It now wanted but a very short time to Christmas.

As the day drew near Gammon felt that this state of worrying suspense was growing intolerable.

Polly's suspicions were louder, her temper became uncertain; once or twice she forgot herself and used language calculated to cause a breach of the peace.

On these occasions Gammon found himself doubting whether she really was the girl after his own heart; he could have wished that she had rather less spirit.