Page:Orley Farm (Serial Volume 20).pdf/20

 man that would do his duty by a woman, though perhaps he mightn't be so cute in the way of having much to say for himself as some others. "What's the good," said I, "of a man's talking, if so be he's ashamed to meet the baker at the end of the week?" So I listened to the vows he made me, and have considered that he and I was as good as one. Now that he's been put upon by them lawyers, I'm not the woman to turn my back upon him.'

'That you're not,' said Moulder.

'No I aint, Mr. Moulder, and so, John, there's my hand again, and you're free to take it if you like.' And so saying she put forth her hand almost into his lap.

'Take it, John!' said Mrs. Moulder. But poor Kenneby himself did not seem to be very quick in availing himself of the happiness offered to him. He did raise his right arm slightly; but then he hesitated, and allowed it to fall again between him and his sister.

'Come, John, you know you mean it,' said Mrs. Moulder. And then with both her hands she lifted his, and placed it bodily within the grasp of Mrs. Smiley's, which was still held forth to receive it.

'I know I'm engaged,' said Kenneby.

'There's no mistake about it,' said Moulder.

'There needn't be none,' said Mrs. Smiley, softly blushing; 'and I will say this of myself—as I have been tempted to give a promise, I'm not the woman to go back from my word. There's my hand, John; and I don't care though all the world hears me say so.' And then they sat hand in hand for some seconds, during which poor Kenneby was unable to escape from the grasp of his bride elect. One may say that all chance of final escape for him was now gone by.

'But he can't say as how it was the old gentlemen's will as we signed,' said Bridget, breaking the silence which ensued.

'And now, ladies and gentlemen,' said Kantwise, 'as Mrs. Bolster has come back to that matter, I'll tell you something that will surprise you. My friend Mr. Moulder here, who is as hospitable a gentleman as I know anywhere wouldn't just let me speak before.'

'That's gammon, Kantwise. I never hindered you from speaking.'

'How I do hate that word. If you knew my aversion, Mr. Moulder—'

'I can't pick my words for you, old fellow.'

'But what were you going to tell us, Mr. Kantwise?' said Mrs. Smiley.

'Something that will make all your hairs stand on end, I think.' And then he paused and looked round upon them all. It was at this moment that Kenneby succeeded in getting his hand once more to himself. 'Something that will surprise you all, or I'm very much mistaken. Lady Mason has confessed her guilt.'