"There's one thing that's mighty 'plexing to me," said Mr. Tuggar, led to the subject by its subtle connection with Gregory's blush, "and that's why the Lord didn't keep John Walton alive a few minutes longer, so that the marriage could take place."
Gregory gave a great start. "What marriage?" he asked.
"Why, don't you know about it?" said Mr. Tuggar, in much surprise.
"No, nothing at all."
"Then perhaps I ortn't ter speak of it."
"Certainly not, if you don't think it right."
"Well, I've said so much I might as well say it all," said the old man, musingly. "It's no secret, as I knows of;" and he told Gregory how near Annie came to being a wife.
Gregory drew a long breath and looked deathly pale and faint.
"Well, now, I'd no idea that you'd be so struck of a heap," said the old man, in still deeper surprise.
"God's hand was in that," murmured Gregory; "God's hand was in that."