in his efforts to make it draw.

"I didn't _say_ take advantage of _her_," he objected. "That's
somethin' I never done yet in my business, Abby. Th' Lord knows I
don't sand my sugar nor water my vinegar, the way some storekeepers
do. I'm all for 'live an' let live.' What I says was--... Now, you
pay attention to me, Abby, and quit sniffling. You're a good woman;
but you're about as soft as that there butter! ..."

The article in question had melted to a yellow pool under the heat.
Mrs. Daggett gazed at it with wide blue eyes, like those of a child.

"Why, Henry," she protested, "I never heerd you talk so before."

"And likely you won't again. Now you listen, Abby; all I want, is to
do what honest business I can with this young woman. She's bound to
spend her money, and she's kind of took to me; comes into th' store
after her mail, and hangs around and buys the greatest lot o' stuff--
'Land!' I says to her: 'a body'd think you was getting ready to get
married.'"

"Well, now I shouldn't wonder--" began Mrs. Daggett eagerly.

"Don't you get excited, Abby. She says she ain't; real pointed, too.
But about this wall paper; I don't know as I can match up them
stripes and figures. I wisht you'd go an' see her, Abby. She'll tell
you all about it. An' her scheme about collecting all the old Bolton
furniture is perfectly ridiculous. 'Twouldn't be worth shucks after
kickin' 'round folk's houses here in Brookville for the last fifteen
years or so."