to make him look up bolder; as mild as any milk it is.
When I was taken with your cheeks, Debby, and your bit of money, I was
never that long in telling you."

"That's true enow, Johnny; you was sarcy. But I'm thinking of the
trouble we may get into over at Anerley about it."

"I'll carry that, lass. My back's as broad as Stephen's. What more can
they want for her than a fine young fellow, a credit to his business and
the country? Lord! how I hate them rough coast-riders! it wouldn't be
good for them to come here."

"Then they are here, I tell you, and much they care. You seem to me to
have shut your eyes since ever you left off tanning. How many times have
I told you, John, that a sneaking fellow hath got in with Sue? I saw
him with my own eyes last night skulking past the wicket-gate; and the
girl's addle-pate is completely turned. You think her such a wonder,
that you won't hearken. But I know the women best, I do."

"Out of this house she goes, neck and crop, if what you say is true,
Deb. Don't say it again, that's a kind, good soul; it spoils my pipe to
think of it."

Toward sundown Robin Lyth appeared, according to invitation. Dandy as
he generally was, he looked unusually smart this time, with snow-white
ducks and a velvet waistcoat, pumps like a dressing-glass, lace to his
shirt, and a blue coat with gold buttons. His keen eyes glanced about
for Mary, and sparkled as soon as she came down; and when he took her
hand she blushed, and was half afraid to look at him; for she felt in
her heart that he meant to say something, if he could find occasion; but
her heart did not tell her what answer she would make, because of her
father's grief and wrath; so she tried to hope that nothing would be
said, and she kept very near her good aunt's apron-string. Such tactics,
however, were doomed to defeat. The host and hostess of Byrsa Cottage
were very proud of the tea they gave to any distinguished visitor.
Tea was a luxury, being very dear, and although large quantities were
smuggled, the quality was not, like that of other goods so imported,
equal or superior to the fair legitimate staple. And Robin, who never
was shy of his profession, confessed that he could not supply a cup so
good.

"You shall come and have another out-of-doors, my friend," said his
entertainer, graciously. "Mary, take the captain's cup to the bower;
the rain has cleared off, and the evening will be fine. I will smoke my
pipe, and we will talk adv