other, nevertheless the minister told the widow, and Hetta too
probably, that the lad had good stuff in him, though he was so
stiff-necked.

"But he should be more modest in talking on such matters with a
minister," said Hetta.

The Rev. Phineas acknowledged that perhaps he should; but he was
honest enough to repeat that the lad had stuff in him. "Perhaps
after all he is not a wolf," said the widow to herself.

Things went on in this way for above a month. Aaron had declared to
himself over and over again that that face was sweet to look upon,
and had unconsciously promised to himself certain delights in
talking and perhaps walking with the owner of it. But the walkings
had not been achieved--nor even the talkings as yet. The truth was
that Dunn was bashful with young women, though he could be so stiff-
necked with the minister.

And then he felt angry with himself, inasmuch as he had advanced no
further; and as he lay in his bed--which perhaps those pretty hands
had helped to make--he resolved that he would be a thought bolder in
his bearing. He had no idea of making love to Susan Bell; of course
not. But why should he not amuse himself by talking to a pretty
girl when she sat so near him, evening after evening?

"What a very quiet young man he is," said Susan to her sister.

"He has his bread to earn, and sticks to his work," said Hetta. "No
doubt he has his amusement when he is in the city," added the elder