"You mean you'd 'a' had somethin' to work for you. The Lord certainly
done a good job when he changed His mind about letting them babies
live."

"They're having onions next door fer supper," said Maria feebly, by
way of diverting an old discussion. "I ain't been able to git 'em off
my mind all afternoon."

Chick, who had been sent to the grocery to see what time it was, came
back holding up five fingers.

"Gee, I got to be hiking!" said Phineas. "The passenger train from
Virginia's due at five sixteen. It won't git here before a quarter of
six, but I'm always there on the minute. That's what Jires pays me
fer, fer bein' regular and reliable. Jes' let me get a regular habit
and a clock ain't in it with me. Why, if I was to come in late at
church, they'd stop the service!"

"Well, don't you be gittin' a regular habit of comin' 'round to the
Queeringtons!" was Myrtella's parting shot as he rose unsteadily.
"When I got anything to say to you I'll come here."

"That's right!" assented Phineas cordially; "you jes' make yourself at
home. My home is your home. Maria'll tell you that I says to her only
last night, I says, 'Maria, you needn't feel so cut up 'bout askin'
Myrtella fer the rent this month, because this is her home, too. There
ain't a board in it but I'd share with her, she knows that.' You tell
her all I said, Maria, don't you keep back nothin'. Farewell!" and
with an affectionate glance and a wave of the hand Phineas departed.