Bessie at the Sea-Side

by Joanna H. Mathews

"Deary me, that wasn't nothing," said Mr. Jones. "I'd ha' been a heathen if I hadn't."

Maggie stood silent for a few moments, watching him, and then said, slowly, but very earnestly, "Mr. Jones, do you think Mrs. Jones is a very happy circumstance?"

Mr. Jones looked at her for a moment as if he did not quite understand her, and then he smiled as he said, "Well, yes, I reckon I do; don't you?"

"No, I don't," said Maggie. "What did make you marry her, Mr. Jones?"

"Because I thought she would make me a good wife."

Bessie at Sea Side. p. 152.

"And does she?"

"First-rate; don't you think she does?"