Page:Fletcher--Where Highways Cross.djvu/171

 "I shall be very glad, friends," said Hepworth. "It's very kind of you. Perhaps the young lady 'll take the company's orders. What'll you all take, gentlemen?"

The men named their drinks to the young woman behind the bar. Hepworth turned to the stranger in the corner. He felt ready to treat a whole room full of people and to ask them to drink to his happiness.

"Will you join us, sir?" he said politely. "I shall be very much honoured."

"Thank you, sir," answered the stranger. "The honour is mine, I'm sure."

When the glasses had been handed round the old farmer rose to his feet and held his up.

"Here's to the health—" he began. "Come," he said, pausing—"I don't know t' young lady's name. Give us her name, Hepworth, lad—all friends here, you know."

"Mrs. Elisabeth Verrell," said Hepworth. "Then here's to Mrs. Elisabeth Verrell, Mrs. Hepworth as is to be—long life and