“But what will Matt say?” she half whispered, as if afraid he might be within hearing. “I guess he’ll be riled some.”
“Oh, he’ll be all right if you kinder break the news to him an’ explain the thing proper. I reckon he won’t take to the deacon at first.”
“The deacon! It’s Abner I’m thinkin’ on!”
“Abner! What does it matter what he thinks of Abner? ’Tain’t es if Matt was older nor you. He’s got nothin’ to say in the matter, I do allow.”
“But he calls him Bully Preep, and says he used to wallop him at McTavit’s.”
“And didn’t he desarve it?” asked Mrs. Strang, indignantly.
“He says he won’t hev him foolin’ aroun’. He calls him a mean skunk.”
“And who’s Matt, I should like to know, to pass his opinions on his elders an’ betters? You jest take no notice of his ’tarnation imperence and he’ll dry up. It’s hevin’ a new father he’ll be peaked about. Thet’s why you’d better do the talkin’ to Matt!”
“Then you’ll hev to tell him ’bout Abner,” bargained Harriet.
But neither had the courage.