Sally. Of course I will. I would five years ago, if you’d only had the spunk to ask me.
Jarius. Jes’ so. I’ve been a donkey. But them words did stick in my wizzen awful.
Hannah. (Rising.) Law sakes, Mary, don’t try to keep me on this sofa. I ain’t a bit sick. I’m just as well as you are; and if I don’t dance at your weddin’, it’ll be because I hain’t got a partner.
Will. You shall not want for partners, mother. I claim the privilege of opening the ball with you.
Hannah. And you shall, Will. Law, my! how handsome you have grown!
John. Hasn’t he, mother! This is a proud day for us.
Hannah. Yes, indeed; for Will’s a man to-day.
Will. And, if I am, I owe it all to one who, in the dark hour, took me by the hand and led me into the light. Ah, many a poor boy who has been led into temptation might be saved from a miserable life if a friendly hand were stretched forth, and a warning word kindly given, as they were to me by Jarius Jordan—Heaven bless him!
Hannah. Ay, Heaven bless you, Jarius. You have made a mother’s heart happy in the gift of her boy, reclaimed from sin. May all you seek be yours.
Jarius. Jes’ so—which is Sally. I’ve got her. As there’s likely to be a matrimonial convention in this house pretty soon, I appint myself a delegate.