Her school-work, which began nest day, diverted her mind somewhat from its deep yearning for him who had become to her the very breath of her life.
It was on the Sunday night after her first week of teaching that she told Absalom, with all the firmness she could command, that he must not come to see her any more, for she was resolved not to marry him.
"Who are you goin' to marry, then?" he inquired, unconvinced.
"No one."
"Do you mean it fur really, that you'd ruther be a' ole maid?"
"I'd rather be SIX old maids than the wife of a Dutchman!"
"What fur kind of a man do you WANT, then?"
"Not the kind that grows in this township."
"Would you, mebbe," Absalom sarcastically inquired, "like such a dude like what—"
"Absalom!" Tillie flashed her beautiful eyes upon him. "You are unworthy to mention his name to me! Don't dare to speak to me of him—or I shall leave you and go up-stairs RIGHT AWAY!"