Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/296

Rh "That is what I mean, Nelly. Thou will hev to take me with t' house. Will I be varry hard to take?"

"Nay, I don't think thou will. Nobody was iver so good to me as thou hes been. I couldn't help liking thee, even if I tried to, and I'm none going to try—now;" and Nelly smiled bewitchingly and put her hands in Ben's. And then Ben took her in his arms, and sealed her promise with a kiss.

It is quite characteristic of late lovers that they love extravagantly and impatiently. Ben was for being married the next day. "I am ready," he said, "and t' house is ready, and what's to hinder, dear lass?" he asked, "I am not ready," answered Nelly, "not quite." "It is such a busy time," pleaded Ben. Nelly said they could wait till business was slack. Ben had found out that he did not like his house-keeper. Nelly said he could easily get another. He was so lonely. Nelly asked why he had never found that out before? Then at last the truth came out. Nelly would not be married without a wedding dress. That was an objection Ben did not understand very well, and did not know how to oppose. He tried to persuade