“Say, ma’am! You know—reelly, I——”
“I am so happy, Peleg!” gurgled the spinster.
“Wall, I ain’t; I——”
“I knew you would understand my feelings.”
“But I don’t, ma’am. Kindly set down, an’——”
“I shall remain now and do my duty with a light heart. I feel that the arrangement will be much better for all concerned, and I can make you so comfortable, Peleg. You need half a dozen new shirts, and shall I confess it? I have them nearly completed already.”
Mr. Morrison, looking wildly about for a means of escape, caught sight of Jimmy running past the door, a brace of puppies frolicking at his heels.
“Hello, thar, Cap’n!” he called, “don’t you want t’ step in here an’——”
“The dear child,” murmured Miss Cottle, wiping her eyes on her apron. “He shall be the first to share our happiness. I am going to be married to your kind old friend here, James; aren’t you glad, my boy?”
Jimmy gazed doubtfully at the pair from under puckered brows.