"That is what they call a December and May marriage," remarked Alice.

"Not quite as bad as that," said the Deacon. "I should say about
October and March."

It was a jolly company that sat down to a well-filled table that
evening. Quincy's first coming to town, and his exciting experiences
during his four months' residence at Mason's Corner, formed the
principal topics of conversation, and Alice appreciated more fully
than ever her husband's persistency, which had shown itself as
strongly in doing good to others as it had in manifesting love for
herself.

When they reached the Hawkins House Mrs. Hawkins was on the watch for
them.

"There's a young man here to see you, Mr. Sawyer. He came on the
train to Cottonton and my man Andrew brought him over. I told him you
wouldn't be home till late and I sent him off to bed. Was that all
right?"

"I can tell better," said Quincy, "when I find out who he is and what
he wants."

"He said his name was Gerry or Ferry or something like that. He's
kind of bashful, I 'magine."

"It's Merry," Quincy exclaimed. "Something has turned up at the State
House, but it will keep till morning."