Part 59 (1/2)

”No chance, sir!”

Ralph's propensity for mischief got the better of him; and leaning over, he whispered in the warlike gentleman's ear, as he pointed to Miss Sallianna.

”I say, Jinks, don't you understand?--desperately in love--hum--with--hum--Verty here; no doubt of it!”

And Ralph drew back, looking mysterious.

Mr. Jinks cast upon the quiet Verty a glance which would have frozen giants into stone.

”No, sir! all explained!” he said.

”It can't be, my dear fellow,” said Ralph, in a low tone. ”Verty has the proofs.”

”Did you speak to me?” said Verty, smiling: he had been talking with Redbud during this conference.

”Yes, I did,” said Ralph. Verty smiled, and said:

”I did not hear what you asked.”

”No wonder,” said Ralph. And turning to Mr. Jinks:

”Observe,” he said, in a low tone, ”how Mr. Verty is trying to make Miss Sallianna jealous.”

”Perdition!” said Mr. Jinks.

”Oh, certainly!” replied Ralph, with solemn sympathy; ”but here is Mr.

Verty waiting patiently to hear what I have to say.”

”Yes,” said Verty, still smiling.

”It is Mr. Jinks who desires to speak,” said Ralph, retiring with a chuckle, and leaving the adversaries face to face.

”Hum--at--yes, sir--I desired to speak, sir!” said Mr. Jinks, with threatening calmness.

”Did you?” said Verty, smiling.

”Yes, sir!”

”I can hear now.”

”It is well that you can, sir! Mark me, sir! Some people cannot hear!”

”Ah?” said Verty, ”yes, you mean deaf people!”

”I refer to others, sir!”

”Yes?”

”Nor can they see.”