However novel and peculiar this testimony of attachment, I did not doubt the accuracy of the interpretation. I was very hot indeed upon Old Orlick's daring to admire her; as hot as if it were an outrage on myself.

     "But it makes no difference to you, you know," said Biddy, calmly.

     "No, Biddy, it makes no difference to me; only I don't like it; I don't approve of it."

     "Nor I neither," said Biddy. "Though that makes no difference to you."

     "Exactly," said I; "but I must tell you I should have no opinion of you, Biddy, if he danced at you with your own consent."

     I kept an eye on Orlick after that night, and, whenever circumstances were favorable to his dancing at Biddy, got before him to obscure that demonstration. He had struck root in Joe's establishment, by reason of my sister's sudden fancy for him, or I should have tried to get him dismissed. He quite understood and reciprocated my good intentions, as I had reason to know thereafter.