"There, there, name the day, and let's get it over," said the youth. But Mary Ann was not to be carried by storm in that way; so she put off replying to the question until they returned from the theatre, where unluckily they saw "Romeo and Juliet" acted; and the girl would persist in crying during the performance, as it reminded her so strongly of the never-to-be-forgotten night. However, after partaking of a light supper consisting of a beefsteak-pudding and baked potatoes, upon Mrs. Shever artfully reminding the lover that Polly had not replied to his request, and begging it might be done at once, that she could drink their health and happiness with her first sup of porter, the poor girl consented; and upon the day Mrs. Mackay advised Thompson "to think of the good girl waiting for him somewhere at home," Mary Ann found herself, "until death did her part," joined to the young carpenter who was after no good, and became Mrs. Joseph Jenkins, thus demonstrating the folly of Jerry's illusion, "that Mary Ann would keep." [Illustration: Decoration] FOOTNOTE: [3] She knew nothing of his reported death. CHAPTER XXI. Captain Woodward's kindness towards him and the good news he received from his wife, effected a wonderful alteration in Clare's appearance, and the little doctor congratulated him on his returning health. "I'm better, thankee, sir--wonderfully better--but at times my heart beats so that I can hardly breathe. I think it's better, though, since I've been coxswain." "You see how foolish you were to worry yourself about what has proved to be an idle fear, as all your surmises have turned out to be incorrect." "I'm well enough now, doctor. Don't you think so?" "Yes, you are well; but you must take care of yourself, and not get excited." "I mean, don't you think I'm in my senses?" "Certainly I do, Clare." "Well, doctor, I saw my wife's spirit on the 16th of last August--this month is July. I've heard from her, and know she is alive as far as I can tell at this moment. I consider the 16th of August to be her day, and if she visits me agin, I'm sure she will die before I see her." "I shall have to put you upon the sick list if you talk like that. Why, you are as superstitious as ever." Tom smiled sadly, but assured the doctor that it was not superstition, but faith on his part, adding, "in my country a fetch sometimes comes every year for fifty years, but the person it represents always dies on that day." The doctor looked at his patient for a few moments, and told him that he would engage to cure the worst cases of fetch that Tom might bring to him; and as his own was a pretty decided one, he should put him under treatment for it at once, although he was not to be considered upon the sick list.