"Oh, nothing, Olive! only I was thinking that if--that if--that if--"

"Well! well, go on, go on, it is not necessary to say that if--five or
six times in succession, is it, before telling me what's the matter with
you, you nonsensical, giddy, hard-headed girl. I believe you have fallen
in love so with Bob McNeal, that you are worrying yourself to death
because you know he is too poor to marry you and you are afraid some
rich girl will fall in love with him, and that he will marry her and
give you the cold shoulder. There, that's just what I think _is_ the
matter with you, and I can tell you one thing my young lady, and that
is, that the sooner you get over your infatuation for that young man,
the better for you, and the better for us all. There now, I'm done. No
I'm not either, listen to me, girl, and don't make me angry by turning
up your nose while I am giving you good advice."

"I'm not turning up my nose at you, Olive. I only felt like sneezing,
and wanted to stop it before it had fully commenced, and how could I try
to stop it except by working my nose in that way, when I have a big wet
potato in one hand and this ugly old knife in the other, and all wet,
too."

"Oh, nonsense, girl, don't keep on talking about ugly old knives and wet
potatoes, but listen to me. I feel it in my bones that trouble is in
store for us, and all through Bob McNeal. Now do be a good girl, and
take my advice and never invite him to call again; because I tell you,
Esther, that trouble is coming to you through that young man, for I feel
it in my bones."

"Well, Olive, I will tell you the truth; the fact is that--why here's
Jane! Why, Jane, what has brought you home at this time of day? It is