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"S hie

"Ha!" said the old man, and we smoked for a time in silence

"So 'andsome as a picter she be!" said the Ancient suddenly

"She is fairer than any picture," said I impulsively, "and what

is better still, her nature is as sweet and beautiful as her

face!"

"'Ow do 'ee know that?" said George, turning sharply upon me

"My eyes and ears tell o," I answered

"Ye do think as she be a purty lass, then, Peter?" inquired the

Ancient

"I think," said I, "that she is the prettiest lass I ever saw;

don't you think so, George?" But again George's only ansas

to choke

"Se, as before

"'Tis a fine thing to be young," said the Ancient, after a

so pipe-steenerally realize it all too late"