You may be sure the Carrier was in a state of perfect rapture ; and you may be sure Dot was likewise ; and you may be sure they all were , inclusive of Miss Slowboy , who wept copiously for joy , and , wishing to include her young charge in the general interchange of congratulations , handed round the Baby to everybody in succession , as if it were something to drink . But , now , the sound of wheels was heard again outside the door ; and somebody exclaimed that Gruff and Tackleton was coming back . Speedily that worthy gentleman appeared , looking warm and flustered . `` Why , what the Devil 's this , John Peerybingle ? '' said Tackleton . `` There 's some mistake . I appointed Mrs. Tackleton to meet me at the church , and I 'll swear I passed her on the road , on her way here . Oh ! here she is ! 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 XXXXX you , I assure you , '' said Edward .
as at for from if of on to upon with