"Missus Glaire, I won't call you a foolish woman; I've too much respect for you; but I think so, and I think as it isn't me as is blind, but some one else. Theer, theer, what's the good of kicking again it. They've made up their minds to come together, and you may just as well let 'em by the gainest coot, as send 'em a long ways round. But, theer, Missus, don't think like that of your own flesh and blood. Why, Missus, am I to respect your son more than you do yoursen?" "Dick has deceived me," cried Mrs Glaire, with the tears running down her cheeks. "Well, but it won't anser," said Joe, calming down. "He's fond o' the lass, and he was standing 'tween her and you," he continued, smiling at his own imagery. "You was pulling one way and she was pulling the other, and young love pulled the strongest. Of course it did, as was very natural." "Will you send Daisy away, and try and stop it?" cried Mrs Glaire, angrily. "No, I won't do neither," said Joe, stoutly. "Why should I? What call is there for me to go again my master and make my lass miserable, because you think she ain't good enough for your boy?" "Then I must act, Joe Banks," said Mrs Glaire, "for see her he shall not." "Theer, theer, what can you do?" chuckled Joe. "Better let things go their own way." "I tell you, man, that for your daughter's sake, you ought to put a stop to this." "I can't stop it," said Joe, smiling; "nor no one else. You tried, and found you couldn't, so what could I do? Let 'em alone, and my Daisy shan't disgrace you; and look here, if it's money, I've got a thousand pounds saved up, and it's all hers. Theer!" "Man, man, what can I say to you?" said Mrs Glaire, checkmated by the obstinate faith of Banks in her son. "Nowt," said Joe, sturdily; "what's the good o' talking? Take my advice, Missus Glaire--let things bide." Mrs Glaire wrung her hands in despair as she gazed enviously in the frank, bluff workman's face, and wished that she could feel the same calm trust in the boy who had been her sole thought for so many years, and as she gazed Joe Banks said sturdily: "Look here, Missus, no offence meant; but they do say as marriages is made in heaven." "Yes, Joe, marriages," exclaimed Mrs Glaire, passionately. "Well, I weer a-talking about marriages," said Joe, quietly; "so you take my advice and let things bide." "You will not take my advice, Banks," exclaimed Mrs Glaire. "But, look here, I have warned you, I have begged of you to help me, and you refuse."