The Register Part 9

HE, with pensive resignation, and a feint of going: "Then I suppose it's all over between us."

SHE, relenting: "If you could think of any reason WHY I should forgive you" -

HE: "I can't."

SHE, after consideration: "Do you suppose Mr. Grumage, or Grimidge, heard too?"

HE: "No; Grinnidge is a very high-principled fellow, and wouldn't listen; besides, he wasn't there, you know."

SHE: "Well, then, I will forgive you on these grounds." He instantly catches her to his heart. "But these alone, remember."

HE, rapturously: "Oh, on any!"

SHE, tenderly: "And you'll always be devoted? And nice? And not try to provoke me? Or neglect me? Or anything?"

HE: "Always! Never!"

SHE: "Oh, you dear, sweet, simple old thing--how I DO love you!"

GRINNIDGE, who has been listening attentively to every word at the register at his side: "Ransom, if you don't want me to go stark mad, SHUT THE REGISTER!"

RANSOM, about to comply: "Oh, poor old man! I forgot it was open!"

MISS REED, preventing him: "No! If he has been vile enough to listen at a register, let him suffer. Come, sit down here, and I'll tell you just when I began to care for you. It was long before the cow. Do you remember that first morning after you arrived"--She drags him close to the register, so that every word may tell upon the envious Grinnidge, on whose manifestations of acute despair, a rapid curtain descends.