Читать книгу Charles Peace, or The Adventures of a Notorious Burglar онлайн

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“Don’t I?” said the farmer, resolutely—​“don’t I?”

“I do not think so.”

“Well, then, if it comes to that, I will say it agin. I love ye. I’ll deal honest and fair by ye. If thee likest, if ye’ll consent, ye shall be my wife.”

He drew her towards him, and imprinted on her lips the first kiss of pure love.

“Ye mek no answer,” he murmured. “Speak, gell.”

“I bid ye think agen, Mr. Ashbrook,” answered Jane. “Think agen.”

“I have thought of it over and over agen. What need is there o’ further thinkin’ when a man has made up his mind?”

“You are too good and kind to me, that’s what you are,” said his companion. “Much too good, an’ that be the truth on’t; but, my dear master, you deserve someone better than myself, and it may not be. My heart is bruised and broken, and it be a poor offering to any man. Seek someone more worthy of ye. Ah, Mr. Richard, ye make the hot scalding tears come to mine eyes, which ha’ been dry these many a year.”

She ceased suddenly, bent forward, buried her face in her hands, and burst into a passionate flood of tears.