“I, contemplate matrimony? Oh, land of Gideon, 67 no. It’s about some one else. Don’t get scared. I’m no kidnapper!”
“Well, who is it, then?” Jonathan inquired, with a touch of disappointment.
“My adopted son.”
“You don’t say! I’ve heard rumors about Maxwell and Virginia Bascom; but I didn’t take no stock in ’em, knowin’ Virginia.”
“Virginia hasn’t nothin’ to do with it.”
“Well, who has then, for land’s sake!”
“I don’t know the girl’s name; but I saw her picture on his mantelpiece yesterday mornin’, and I’ve had my suspicions for some time.”
“Well, I suppose his marryin’ ’aint none of our business anyway, be it?”
“Yes, it is our business; if he’s goin’ to get married, the rectory’s got to be fixed over a whole lot ’fore it’s fit to live in. You know the Senior Warden won’t lift his finger, and you’ve got to help me do it.”
Jonathan sighed profoundly, knowing from past experience that Hepsey’s word carried more weight than all the vestry.