long, nuther."

"Why not?" was the sharp, responsive query.

"'Cause the same look's comin' into his face that was in Cousin Lemuel's and
Cousin Abiram's and all the rest of 'em. 'Fi's you I'd keep still now.
'Pears to me they all want you to keep still and you won't."

"Jane," said Mrs. Mumpson in severe tones, "you're an ignorant child. Don't
presume to instruct ME! Besides, this case is entirely different. Mr.
Holcroft must be made to understand from the start that I'm not a common
woman--that I'm his equal, and in most respects his superior. If he aint made
to feel this, it'll never enter his head--but law! There's things which you
can't and oughtn't to understand."

"But I do," said the girl shortly, "and he won't marry you, nor keep you, if
you talk him to death."

"Jane!" gasped Mrs. Mumpson, as she sank into the chair and rocked violently.

The night air was keen and soon drove Holcroft into the house. As he passed
the kitchen window, he saw that Mrs. Mumpson was in his wife's rocking chair
and that Jane was clearing up the table.

He kindled a fire on the parlor hearth, hoping, but scarcely expecting, that
he would be left alone.

Nor was he very long, for the widow soon opened the door and entered, carrying
the chair. "Oh, you are here," she said sweetly. "I heard the fire crackling,
and I do so love open wood fires. They're company in themselves, and they