If he was, I should hate him; but he does need some one to love him very much, and make him happy, as a good woman best knows how," said Polly, as if answering the mute language of Tom's face.
"I hope Maria Bailey is all he thinks her," she added, softly, "for I could n't bear to have him disappointed again." "I dare say he don't care a fig for her, and you are only borrowing trouble.

What do you say Ned answered when you asked about this inconvenient girl ?" said Fanny turning hopeful all at once.
Polly repeated it, and added, "I asked him in another letter if he did n't admire Miss B.as much as Tom, and he wrote back that she was 'a nice girl,' but he had no time for nonsense, and I need n't get my white kids ready for some years yet, unless to dance at Tom's wedding.

Since then he has n't mentioned Maria, so I was sure there was something serious going on, and being in Tom's confidence, he kept quiet." "It does look bad.

Suppose I say a word to Tom, just inquire after his heart in a general way, you know, and give him a chance to tell me, if there is anything to tell." "I 'm willing, but you must let me see the letter.

I can't trust you not to hint or say too much." "You shall.