"Humph! Well, all right, then. I didn't know. Course, 'tain't none of my
business what's in other folks's letters. _I_ ain't nosey, land knows.
Nobody can accuse me of--"

"Nobody can accuse you of anything, Zuba. Not even dish washin' just
now."

Azuba drew herself up. Outraged dignity and injured pride were expressed
in every line of her figure. "Well!" she exclaimed; "WELL! if that
ain't--if that don't beat all that ever _I_ heard! Here I leave my work
to do folks favors, to fetch and carry for 'em, and this is what I get.
Cap'n Dott, I want you to understand that I ain't dependent on nobody
for a job. I don't HAVE to slave myself to death for nobody. If you
ain't satisfied--"

"There, there, Zuba! I was only jokin'. Don't get mad!"

"Mad! Who's mad, I'd like to know? It takes more'n that to make me mad,
I'd have you understand."

"That's good; I'm glad of it. Well, I'm much obliged to you for bringin'
the letter."

"You're welcome. Land sakes! I don't mind doin' errands, only I like
to have 'em appreciated. And I like jokes well as anybody, but when you
tell me--"

"Hold on! don't get het up again. Keep cool, Zuba, keep cool! Think of
that dish water; it's gettin' cooler every minute."