You men — the years betwixt thirty to forty don't hit you;
and what you lose in juice an' comeliness, you make up at
the bank. But ban't so with us. There's no interest on good
looks — all the other way. These things I've told Sarah Jane
myself; so be sure she knows 'em. You'm a thought old for
her: that's my only fear."

"Would you go at it like a bull at a gate, or wind round it ?
She knows well enough what I feel. Why, I gived her a brooch
that cost five shillings and sixpence come her last birthday."

"Dash at her! She's the sort that must be stormed. Don't
dwell overmuch on the advantages, because she's too young
to prize 'em. Catch fire an' blaze like a young 'un. They like
it best that way. Don't take 'no' for an answer. 'Twas a dash
that caught me; though you'd never think it to see your father
nowadays."



46 THE WHIRLWIND

He listened respectfully.
"I'm not the dashing sort, however,"

"No, you ban't. Still, that's the best way with she. Many a

woman's been surprised into saying 'yes.' Do anything but

write it. Sarah Jane wouldn't stand writing. For that matter,

tis a question if she can read penmanship. An ignorant girl

along of her bringing up. "

"Good at figures, however; for Gregory Friend told me so."

"What does he know about figures ? Still, 'tis very much in
her favor if true."

Mrs. Weekes now went to the window and looked out of it.
Down the street stood an ivy-covered cottage where two ways
met. Beside it men were working in the road.
