“Yes, but he could tell her he was innocent⁠—oh, Miles, do not look so provoking! Of course he could! I vow if you had treated me so, I would never have let you go until you had truly repented! I am of a mind to speak to Jack.”

“ ’Twould be an entertaining sight, but ye’ll kindly have a care how you touch him, my lady.”

“He does not understand. I know she would be proud to marry him⁠—”

“And ye’d think it a fine thing in Jack to ask her, the way things are with him at present?”

“I⁠—oh, I don’t know!”

“No, me love. Jack is right: he must first clear his name.”

“Then, gracious goodness me, why does he not?” cried Molly, exasperated.