I beg your pardon , sir ; I have n't the pleasure of knowing you ; but , if you can do me the favour to spare this young lady , she has rather a particular engagement this morning . '' `` But I ca n't spare her , '' returned Edward . `` I could n't think of it . '' `` What do you mean , you vagabond ? '' said Tackleton . `` I mean that , as I can make allowance for your being vexed , '' returned the other with a smile , `` I am as deaf to harsh discourse this morning as I was to all discourse last night . '' The look that Tackleton bestowed upon him , and the start he gave ! `` I am sorry , sir , '' said Edward , holding out May 's left hand , and especially the third finger , `` that the young lady ca n't accompany you to church ; but , as she has been there once this morning , perhaps you 'll excuse her . '' Tackleton looked hard at the third finger , and took a little piece of silver paper , apparently containing a ring , from his waistcoat pocket . `` Miss Slowboy , '' said Tackleton , `` will you have the kindness to throw that in the fire ? Thankee . '' `` It was a previous engagement , quite an old engagement , that prevented my wife from keeping her appointment with you , I assure you , '' said Edward . `` Mr. Tackleton will do me the justice to acknowledge that I revealed it to him faithfully ; and that I told him , many times , I never could forget it , '' said May , blushing . `` Oh , certainly ! '' said Tackleton . `` Oh , to be sure ! Oh , it 's all right , it 's quite correct ! Mrs. Edward Plummer , I infer ? '' `` That 's the name , '' returned the bridegroom . `` Ah !
I should n't have known you , sir , '' said XXXXX , scrutinising his face narrowly , and making a low bow .
Edward Slowboy Tackleton Thankee fire left morning night right third