Now, sir, all this is not
mathematical proof; but, when you come to add it to your own direct
proofs, that carry you within a cable's length of Port Fontaine, it is
very convincing; and, not to pay out too much yarn, I'll bet--my
head--to a China orange--"
"David, don't be vulgar."
"Never mind, Mr. Dodd--be yourself."
"Well, then, to serve Eve out, I'll bet her head (and that is a better
one than mine) to a China orange that Fontaine and Fountain are one,
and that the first Fontaine came over here from Melton more than one
hundred and thirty years ago, and less than one hundred and forty,
when Newel's grandfather was a young man."
_"Probatum est,"_ shouted old Fountain, his eyes sparkling, his
voice trembling with emotion. "Miss Fontaine," said he, turning to
Lucy, throwing a sort of pompous respect into his voice and manner,
"you shall never marry any man that cannot give you as good a home as
Melton, and quarter as good a coat of arms with you as your own, the
Founteyns'." David's heart took a chill as if an ice-arrow had gone
through it. "So join me to thank our young friend here."
Mr. Fountain held out his hand. David gave his mechanically in return,
scarcely knowing what he did. "You are a worthy and most intelligent
young man, and you have made an old man as happy as a lord," said the
old gentleman, shaking him warmly.
"And there is my hand, too," said Lucy, putting out hers with a blush,
"to show you I bear you no malice for being more unselfish and more
sagacious than us all.
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