"Mrs. Purton has had twins--dear little fellows they are,
fat as butter!--she has named one of them Polson, after you. The greedy
one."
"Any deaths?" inquired the captain snappishly, as he eyed the innocent
lady suspiciously.
"Poor old Jasper Wheeler has gone," said his sister; "he was very
resigned. He borrowed enough money to get a big doctor from London, and
when he heard that there was no hope for him he said he was just longing
to go, and he was sorry he couldn't take all his dear ones with him.
Mary Hewson is married to Jack Draper, and young Metcalfe's banns go up
for the third time next Sunday."
"I hope he gets a Tartar," said the vindictive captain. "Who's the girl?
Some silly little fool, I know. She ought to be warned!"
"I don't believe in interfering in marriages," said his daughter
Chrissie, shaking her head sagely.
"Oh!" said the captain, staring, "YOU don't! Now you've put your hair up
and taken to wearing long frocks, I suppose you're beginning to think of
it."
"Yes; auntie wants to tell you something!" said his daughter, rising and
crossing the room.
"No, I don't!" said Miss Polson hastily.
"You'd better do it," said Chrissie, giving her a little push, "there's
a dear; I'll go upstairs and lock myself in my room.
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