Miss P.—(offering chair) You are very welcome, Miss Bascom. But do come to-night.
Aunt Hepsey—(sitting down heavily) Suz me, child, I dassn’t! I kaint posserbly go out arter dark, count ’o my rheumatiz. Cripples me all up. I’ll enjy it jest as well now, though, so jest go right ahead, same’s ef I warn’t here.
Sammy—Was that ere tree all right when you come in, Aunt Hepsy?
Aunt Hepsy—Land, yes, Sammy. Why shouldn’t it be?
Lucindy—Sammy’s afraid a bear’ll come along ’n eat it.
Sammy—Haint neither, but I’m worried ’bout that ere tree. Somebody might steal it.
(Re-enter Hiram. He has pulled on the Santa Claus trousers over his overalls, and stuffed a pillow in front. He is endeavoring to place one behind.)
Reuben—That’s a cuss tune all right.
Miss P.—Reuben!