id Carl.

When he left, Jane wondered if he had promised or given her father any
money; she half suspected there had been some bargaining and resented
the thought. She knew her father loved her dearly, but he also loved
money and would go far to get it.

Tom Thrush came home, putting a bold face on, but looked rather
sheepish.

"It's settled; I've taken him. We're to be married in Little Trent
Church. Parson's coming to see us about it," she said.

"Drat him, what's he coming for?" said Tom irritably.

"Carl says we're to be married as soon as possible by special license.
I suppose that's what he's coming about," replied Jane.

"He's in a hurry."

"We're going to the sea--for the honeymoon," said Jane, blushing
prettily.

"She's a beauty," thought Tom. "I wonder if she could have done better
for herself?" He was seldom satisfied with anything.

"Where to, what seaside?" he asked.

"He said he could not tell me before we left. He didn't want the
people about here to know."

"That's queer. Why shouldn't he?" growled Tom.

"He's good reasons for it, no doubt," she answered. "Was anything said
about money?"

Tom shuffled uneasily in his chair.

"Well, yes, we had a few words about it."

"What did you say to him?"

"Told him it was usual for a man of means to settle something on his
wife."

"Well, what did he say?"

"Laughed; said he wasn't exactly a rich man but he could afford to keep
a wife in comfort. Then he offered to give me a hundred pounds to put
by for you in case anything happened to him. He said it would do for a
bit until his affairs were settled. I said it wasn't much. We argued
the thing out. He's promised two hundred; that's not so bad," said Tom
in a hesitating way.

"Did he give you the money?" she asked,

"No, he's bringing it to-night."

"To hand it to me?" she asked.

"I said I'd best keep it for you until you wanted it."

Jane smiled.

"You'll be sure and take care of it, Dad?" she said.

"Upon my soul I will. You know I'm a careful man with money, Jane," he
said eagerly.

"I shall want a little pocket money when I go away."

"He'll give you some. He's sure to be generous."

"I think he has been generous in giving you two hundred pounds. I
shall not ask him for any. You can spare some," said Jane.

"Of course it's not mine; it's yours," protested Tom. "But where's the
harm in getting a bit more? He knows we're not well off."

She shook her hea