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268 and had turned into a nun; and instead of that, here we all are, sailing away for Old England. But, bless your pretty face! you look mighty ill—I hope the crossing-in-love part of the story isn't true—I know it's very disagreeable to young people; but, deary me, you'll. soon get over it—it's nothing when you're used to it. When I was a girl I used to sing, Lord love you! I never took on about any of them." "Now don't say so, Mrs. Higgs," said a corpulent gentleman, thrusting in a face which looked equally wide and weak—"you know you'd have broke your heart if we two hadn't been made one." "Broke my heart!—no sich nonsense—there were as good pigs in the market as yours any day. Not that I'm noways grumbling at the bargain I've had of you—though you weren't my first love neither. So you see, Miss, to lose a first chance aint much." Beatrice did not comprehend the dialogue, but she saw Emily look as if ready to sink into the earth, and she beckoned her father to help her