“Sickness? Why, no! Why do you ask?” inquired the curate.
“Is there any distress, then?”
“Why, no! They are all unusually well just now, and very hilarious over the prospect of the arrival of their new squire and his bride and all the high jinks of their reception. Why did you ask such questions, Hetty?”
“Because, Jimmy, you always look as solemn as a hearse!”
“Do I? Well, in view of coming events, I cannot be expected to look very merry, can I, Hetty?” he inquired, rather evasively.
“You refer to the expected arrival of the fraudulent claimant and bigamous husband, and your duty to strike him down,
“‘Even in his pitch of pride.’
But I don’t see why that should make you look so solemn. And Jennie home, too! And the dear baby! Oh, Jimmy, if you cannot appreciate the blessings around you and be grateful and happy in the midst of them, the Lord help you! though He certainly has a discouraging job of you, just now!”
“I preach to my people and weary them, no doubt. You preach to me and—avenge them!” laughed the Reverend James.
“Well, I am glad to see you laugh, even if it is at my expense,” said Hetty.