Julia did not find it so easy to say anything now that she had announced
herself as determined to have a conversation and now that her auditor
was waiting. It is the worst beginning in the world for a conversation,
saying that you intend to converse. When an Indian has announced his
intention of having a "big talk," he immediately lights his pipe and
relapses into silence until the big talk shall break out accidentally
and naturally. But Julia, having neither the pipe nor the Indian's
stolidity, found herself under the necessity of beginning abruptly.
Every minute of delay made her position worse. For every minute
increased her doubt of Cynthy Ann's sympathy.

"O Cynthy Ann! I'm so miserable!"

"Yes, I told your ma this morning that you was looking mis'able, and
that you had orter have sassafras to purify the blood, but your ma is so
took up with steam-docterin' that she don't believe in nothin' but
corn-sweats and such like."

"Oh! but, Cynthy, it a'n't that. I'm miserable in my mind. I wish I knew
what to do."

"I thought you'd made up your mind. Your ma told me you was engaged to
Mr. Humphreys."

Julia was appalled. How fast the spider spins his web!

"I a'n't engaged to him, and I hate him. He got me to say yes when I was
crazy, and I believe he brought about the things that make me feel so
nigh crazy. Do you think he's a good man, Cynthy Ann?"