Page:On the Coromandel Coast.djvu/227

Rh 'Perhaps you would like to see another girl?'

'No, ma'am, thank you; I would rather have Maggie.'

'But if she won't have you, you must give her up and choose another. We never force our girls unwillingly into marriage. Let me send for Rosa or Mary. Either of them would make you an excellent wife.'

The lover shook his head disconsolately.

'I don't fancy Rosa or Mary.'

'Then, Mr. O'Brien, I think we had better say good-bye,' said the matron, feeling that matters were at a deadlock and that there was nothing more to be done.

He rose from his chair to go. Suddenly his eye brightened with an inspiration.

'May I come again? May I have one more try?' he asked eagerly.

'Certainly, if you wish; but I warn you that Maggie is not one to change her mind easily.'

'Thank you, ma'am. I will come next Tuesday, and I will bring my concertina.'

He came and brought his concertina, and Maggie was wooed a second time. When the matron went in to see how he fared there was no need to ask any questions. The concertina occupied one chair and the young couple the other.