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"All the worse for us!" growled Eliashib Sparks, the biggest of the three, surprising Sally into a little hysterical laugh, and surprised himself still more at this unexpected sequence to his remark. "Pooty bad! George is a clever fellow!" ejaculated Zekle. "He han't got the rights on't, but I think he'll come round by'n by."
Want milk fer breakfus, Mandy Calline? Well, fetch here yer pitcher." A shy "good-mornin" had passed between Mandy Calline and Zekle, and he sauntered up beside her, taking the pitcher, and as they stepped over the bars Father Tyler, hospitably inclined, said: "Take breakfus with us, Zekle? I lay Malviny 'll hev ernuff cooked ter give yer er bite."
Hereupon came the ominous sound of Father Tyler winding the clock in the sitting-room; Zekle knew 'twas a signal for him to depart. "Well," slowly rising, "I guess I got ter go, but I do mortally hate ter.
On the other side of the hearth from Snapps sat Zekle in his butternut-colored Sunday suit; the four young men ranged in a grim row of high-backed wooden chairs; Sally, blooming as the roses on her chintz gown, occupying one end of the settle, while Aunt Poll filled the rest of that institution with her ample quilted petticoat and paduasoy cloak, trying hard to keep her hands still, in their unaccustomed idleness, nay, if it must be told, surreptitiously keeping up a knitting with the fingers, in lieu of the accustomed needles and yarn.
"Thunder an' dry trees," ejaculated Zekle, "what does the woman "; but at that instant Long made for the door, and flung it open, thereby preventing explanations. "Goin' to Concord, George?" shouted he to George Tucker, who in a one-horse wagon and his Sunday-best clothes was driving slowly past. "No! goin' to Lexington, after corn. Can I do anything for you?" "Well, no, I 'xpect not.
Mandy Calline was red as a turkey-cock, to which was now added a nervous confusion which bade fair to overwhelm her. "It's too soon, Zekle. Whyn't yer wait er while?" she replied, tremblingly. "No, 'tain't too soon," he answered, promptly. "I want it all done 'n' over with, then I sh'll feel mo' like ye b'long ter me. I'm goin' ter ask 'em ter-day; yer needn't say not.
"Ya'as, Zekle," she said, shyly. "Whoopee! I feel like I'd like ter jump up 'n' knock my heels tergether 'n' yell!" "Yer'd better try it er spell." she said, smiling at him shyly, "'n' jest see how soon ye'd ha' th' hull fambly er-rushin' in ter see what was the matter."
But let's go 'n' tell gra'mammy now; somehow I'd ruther she knowed it fust." "We will," replied Zekle, promptly. Mother Tyler was putting breakfast on the table. She suddenly paused and listened. Something was the matter. There were cries that betokened trouble.
Eagerly the girl dropped her knitting and hastened to reconnoitre, curious herself. "It's Zeke White," she replied, returning to her work. "I knowed Mandy Calline was spectin' him," muttered Ann Elisabeth, under her breath. Father Tyler arose and sauntered to the door, calling out: "You Jeff, ef ye don't stop that barkin' Come here this minit, sir! Good-evenin', Zekle; come in."
He assumed a brave front, and with hands thrust in his pantaloons pockets, came up, whistling softly. "Good-mornin', Zekle," greeted Father Tyler, rising from his stooping position. "Good-mornin', Mr. Tyler. Fine mornin'." "Ya'as; but I'm erfeared we're goin' ter hev rain in er day er two. I feel ruther rheumaticky this mornin', er mighty shore sign that rain ain't fur off.
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