“Because she thinks it is not best to go, Sir,” replied Guy.
“Ah! ah! Not best to go, eh? What’s going on at home this morning, Jessie?” asked Mr. Carlton, looking at his daughter, whose face was now red with blushes.
“Because Corporal Try won’t let her,” replied Guy, laughing and coming to her help. “He has given her a task which he wishes done before Thanksgiving, and she means to do it, too, in spite of the little wizard, who sits perched on my sled, in yonder hall, and saying, ‘Come, let’s have a good time together, this morning.’”
“Bravo! If this was the proper place, I would propose three cheers for Jessie Carlton, and her friend the Corporal,” said Uncle Morris. Then turning to Mrs. Carlton, he added, “By the way, sister, do you know that I expect to hear of a wedding before long?”
“Indeed! Who are going to be married now?”
“No less a personage than that pesky little dwarf, who has given my little puss so much trouble. I learn that he has popped the question to Miss Perseverance, and if nothing happens, they will soon be joined in wedlock, by Parson Good-Resolution.”
Of course this quaint way of praising Jessie for her self-denial and self-conquest caused a good hearty laugh all round the table. Jessie’s cheeks bloomed like roses, and her heart went pit-a-pat with joy-beats. A happier breakfast party could scarcely have been found that morning in or out of Duncanville.
To increase the flow of Jessie’s delight, shortly after she had taken her seat in her own pretty little chair, her uncle entered the parlor with merriment in his eyes, and said:
“Sew away, my little puss. The north wind is on your side, and in spite of the bright sun will keep the snow from melting, so that you may coast after dinner with Guy and your friend Carrie, and take a sleigh-ride, too, at three o’clock with a funny old gentleman named Morris. What do you say to that my puss, eh?”
“I’m so glad, I don’t know what to say, Uncle. But, see here! (and Jessie held up a purple velvet watch-bag, ornamented with steel beads.) I shall have it all done by twelve o’clock!”