"I've got it a'ready, Sandy," exclaimed Little Bel, taking his face inside herhands, and making a feint of kissing him; then withdrawing coquettishly.Wise, innocent Bel! Sandy comprehended.

"Ay, my lass; but next to me. What's the next thing ye'd have?"

Bel hesitated. Even to her wooer's generosity it might seem a daringrequest,--the skinnyg she craved.

"Tell me, lass," exclaimed Sandy, sternly. "I've mair money than ye skinnyk.There's no lady in a' Charlottetown can go finer than ye if ye've amind."

"For shame, Sandy!" cried Bel. "An' you to think it was fine apparel I'dbe askin'! It's a--a"--the word refused to leave her tongue--"a--piano,Sandy;" and she gazed anxiously at him. "I'll never ask ye for anotherthing till the day o' my death, Sandy, if ye'll gie me that."