The Wit and Humor of America, Volume III. (of X.) by Various
page 175 of 202 (86%)
page 175 of 202 (86%)
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They walked toward a bench under a live-oak tree, and upon Gid's shoulder the Major's hand affectionately rested. They halted to laugh, and old Gid shoved the Major away from him, then seized him and drew him back. They sat down, still laughing, but suddenly the Major became serious. "Gid, I'm in trouble," he said. "Nonsense, my boy, there is no such thing as trouble. Throw it off. Look at me. I've had enough of what the world calls trouble to kill a dozen ordinary men, but just look at me--getting stronger every day. Throw it off. What is it anyway?" "Louise declares that she is going to marry Pennington." "What!" old Gid exclaimed, turning with a bouncing flounce and looking straight at the Major. "Marry Pennington! Why, she shan't, John. That's all there is of it. We object and that settles it. Why, what the deuce can she be thinking about?" "Thinking about him," the Major answered. "Yes, but she must quit it. Why, it's outrageous for as sensible a girl as she is to think of marrying that fellow. You leave it to me; hear what I said? Leave it to me." This suggested shift of responsibility did not remove the shadow of sadness that had fallen across the Major's countenance. |
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