"Virginians are very 'igh and mighty pussons, I've been told," said
Joey, leading him on with considerable adroitness.
"Perhaps you have also been told that we require no lessons in
chivalry," announced David, somewhat pompously.
Joey chuckled softly. "Don't get 'uffy, Jacky. Let's get back to the
fust subject. 'Ow is it going to be with you two when you've really
growed up? You're a couple of babes in the woods just now."
David was silent for a moment. Then he faced the old clown proudly.
"She's perfect, Joey; she's wonderful. I expect to love her always.
When she's old enough, I am going to ask her to be my wife."
"Provided you escape the gallows," remarked Joey sententiously.
"Yes," said the boy, setting his jaw, but turning very white. "But she
knows I am innocent. Even though I should always live under this
shadow, and under another name, I would not feel that I was doing her
a wrong in asking her to share my lot with me. Nothing could be worse
than what she has to bear now. But, Joey," he concluded firmly, "I am
going to clear my name, as sure as I live."
The old clown nodded his head, eyed his _protege_ furtively and
lovingly, and lapsed into silence.
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