"I have heard her
say so. But you've been very plain-spoken about me, Jem, so that I shall
say what I think."
"Do," said his bewildered friend.
"I think you'd be throwing yourself away," said Nugent; "to my mind it's
a most unsuitable match in every way. She's got no money, no looks, no
style. Nothing but a good kind heart rather the worse for wear. I
suppose you know she's been married once?"
"_What!_" shouted the other. "_Married?_"
Mr. Nugent nodded. His face was perfectly grave, but the joke was
beginning to prey upon his vitals in a manner which brooked no delay.
"I thought everybody knew it," he said. "We have never disguised the
fact. Her husband died twenty years ago last----"
"Twenty" said his suddenly enlightened listener. "Who?--What?"
Mr. Nugent, incapable of reply, put his head on the table and beat the
air frantically with his hand, while gasping sobs rent his tortured
frame.
"Dear--aunt," he choked, "how pleas--pleased she'd be if--she knew.
Don't look like that, Hardy. You'll kill me."
"You seem amused," said Hardy, between his teeth.
"And you'll be Kate's uncle," said Mr. Nugent, sitting up and wiping his
eyes. "Poor little Kate."
He put his head on the table again. "And mine," he wailed. "_Uncle
jemmy!_--will you tip us half-crowns, nunky?"
Mr.
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