xpect you to take him."

"I don't know anything about that, father," said Polly. "He's had his
answer, and I'm thinking he won't ask for another." Upon this the
breeches-maker looked at his daughter, but made no other reply.

During the two or three following days Neefit made some inquiries,
and found that his customer was at the Moonbeam. It was now necessary
that he should go to work at once, and, therefore, with many
misgivings, he took Waddle into his confidence. He could not himself
write such a letter as then must be written;--but Waddle was perfect
at the writing of letters. Waddle shrugged his shoulders, and clearly
did not believe that Polly would ever get the young Squire. Waddle
indeed went so far as to hint that his master would be lucky in
obtaining payment of his money,--but, nevertheless, he gave his mind
to the writing of the letter. The letter was written as follows:--

Conduit Street, 14th December, 186--.

DEAR SIR,--

Yours of the 9th instant has come to hand, and I beg to
say with compliments how shocked we were to hear of the
Squire's accident. It was terribly sudden, and we all felt
it very much; as in the way of our business we very often
have to.

As to the money that can stand. Between friends such
things needn't be mentioned. Any accommodation of that
kind was and always will be ready when required. As to
that other matter, a young gentleman like you won't think
that a young lady is to be taken at her first word. A
bargain is a bargain, and honourable is honourable, which
nobody knows as well as you who was always disposed to
be upon the square. Our Polly hasn't forgotten you,--and
isn't going.

It should be acknowledged on Mr. Waddle's behalf, that that last
assurance was inserted by the unassisted energy of Mr. Neefit
himself.

We shall expect to see you without delay, here or at
Hendon, as may best suit; but pray remember that things
stand just as they was. Touching other matters, as needn't
be named here, orders will be attended to as usual if
given separate.

Yours very truly and obedient,

THOMAS NEEFIT.

This letter duly reached the young Squire, and did not add to his
happiness at the Moonbeam. That he should ever renew his offer to
Polly Neefit was, he well knew, out of the question; but he could
see before him an infinity of trouble should the breeches-maker be
foolish enough to press him t