'Look-a-hyar, D'rindy,' said Amos James sturdily; 'I want ye ter promise me one thing.'
Dorinda had risen in embarrassment. She looked down at Jacob.
'It air about time for we-uns ter be a-goin' ter the house, I reckon,' she said.
But Jacob sat still. He was apt in 'takin' l'arnin',' and he had begun to perceive that his elders did not always mean what they said. He was cool and comfortable, and content to remain.
'I want ye ter promise me that ef ever ye find ez ye hev thunk too well o' Rick Tyler, an' hev sot him up too high in yer mind over other folks, ye'll let me know.'
Her cheek dimpled; her rare laughter fell on the air; a fervid faith glowed in her deep, bright eyes.
'I promise ye!'
'Ye think Rick Tyler air mighty safe in that promise,' he rejoined, crestfallen.
But Dorinda would say no more.