transports. There never were congratulations so endearing and
delicious, as those she lavished on herself and on the Bride.

Amid the tumult of emotions in his breast, the honest Carrier had
stood, confounded. Flying, now, towards her, Dot stretched out her
hand to stop him, and retreated as before.

'No, John, no! Hear all! Don't love me any more, John, till
you've heard every word I have to say. It was wrong to have a
secret from you, John. I'm very sorry. I didn't think it any
harm, till I came and sat down by you on the little stool last
night. But when I knew by what was written in your face, that you
had seen me walking in the gallery with Edward, and when I knew
what you thought, I felt how giddy and how wrong it was. But oh,
dear John, how could you, could you, think so!'

Little woman, how she sobbed again! John Peerybingle would have
caught her in his arms. But no; she wouldn't let him.

'Don't love me yet, please, John! Not for a long time yet! When I
was sad about this intended marriage, dear, it was because I
remembered May and Edward such young lovers; and knew that her
heart was far away from Tackleton. You believe that, now. Don't
you, John?'

John was going to make another rush at this appeal; but she stopped
him again.

'No; keep there, please, John! When I laugh at you, as I sometimes
do, John, and call you clumsy and a dear old goose, and names of