Sammy—Somebody’ll steal it afore then. Better bring it in, Teacher.
Miss P.—The tree is all right, Sammy. Now I have the programme all arranged, and we will proceed just as we shall to-night. First will be the welcome song.
Rhoda—Ma says Ruby oughter say his welcome piece fust.
Miss P.—Oh no. We will sing first, then Reuben will speak his piece.
Reuben—(starting up) I’m a-goin’ ter speak first. Ma said so.
Miss P.—Sit down, Reuben, till I call your name.
Reuben—(still standing) Call it first, then. Ma says I gotter say it first.
Aunt Hepsy—Reckon he’ll hafter, ef his ma says so.
Miss P.—I’m running this school.
Aunt Hepsy—Mebbe so, mebbe so; but you don’t know Hanner Ann Jenkins ’s well ’s I do, or you’d know thet ef she’d made up her mind thet Ruby sh’d speak first, she’ll have him do it, ef it breaks up the whole entertainment. Hev’n’t you ever noticed thet Ruby was kinder sot in his ways for a youngster? He takes it from his ma, she thet was Hanner Ann Bean. I’d let him say it fust, ef I was you, I really would.