Ned. Glad to see you once more. It must be a year since you were here.
Jarius. Jes’ so; a year to-day. Folks all well?
Ned. Yes—no; Mother Nutter is poorly; the rest are hearty.
Jarius. Sally Peeslee smart—hey? By the by, didn’t I hear John Nutter say somethin’ about your makin’ up to her?
Ned. You need fear no rival in me, Mr. Jordan.
Jarius. Jes’ so. Expected you and Mary would have made a match. P’raps you have.
Ned. No. We are warmly attached; but Mr. Nutter will not hear of our marrying. He wants to give her to Henry Douglas.
Jarius. The old fool! Nothin’ personal in that remark. But he’s wus than a nine-days’-old pup—hain’t got his eyes open. Wal, what air ye goin’ to do ’bout it—give her up?
Ned. Never! I scarcely know what to do. Douglas has almost ruined the old man with speculation. Everything is mortgaged to him; and if Mary does not marry him, he will turn them out of their home.
Jarius. Sho! How much is the mortgage?