was Annie, sometimes Minnie--"

"Always liked you better than them," said Mr. Polly.

"I loved you, Elfrid," said Miriam, "since ever we met at your poor
father's funeral. Leastways I _would_ have done, if I had thought. You
didn't seem to mean anything you said.

"I _can't_ believe it!" she added.

"Nor I," said Mr. Polly.

"You mean to marry me and start that little shop--"

"Soon as ever I find it," said Mr. Polly.

"I had no more idea when I came out with you--"

"Nor me!"

"It's like a dream."

They said no more for a little while.

"I got to pinch myself to think it's real," said Miriam. "What they'll
do without me at 'ome I can't imagine. When I tell them--"

For the life of him Mr. Polly could not tell whether he was fullest of
tender anticipations or regretful panic.