("Darlin' fin ser-welled out an' tuvvered 'em up!") said Gay, going
through the same operation.

"Yes," said Miss Vilda, looking covertly at Mr. Southwick (who had an
eye for beauty, notwithstanding Samantha's strictures), "that's very
nice, but you mustn't stay here now; we are talkin' to the minister. Run
away, both of you, and let the settin' hen alone.--Well, as I was goin'
to say, Mr. Southwick, you're very kind and so 's your wife, and I'm
sure Timothy, that's the boy's name, would be a great help and comfort
to both of you, if you're fond of children, and we should be glad to
have him near by, for we feel kind of responsible for him, though he's
no relation of ours. And we'll think about the matter over night, and
let you know in the morning."

"Yes, exactly, I see, I see; but it was the young child, the--a--female
child, that my wife desired to take into her family. She does not care
for boys, and she is particularly fond of girls, and so am I, very fond
of girls--a--in reason."

Miss Vilda all at once made up her mind on one point, and only wished
that Samantha wouldn't stare at her as if she had never seen her before.
"I'm sorry to disappoint your wife, Mr. Southwick. It seems that Mrs.
Tarbox and Jabez Slocum have been offerin' the child to every family in
the village, and I s'pose bime bye they'll have the politeness to offer
her to me; but, at any rate, whether they do or not, I propose to keep
her myself, and I'd thank you to tell folks so, if they ask you. Mebbe
you'd better give it out from the pulpit, though I can let Mis' Tarbox
know, and that will answer the same purpose. This is the place the baby
was brought, and this is the place she's goin' to stay."