"It seems funny to hear you call him Jedediah, Aunt Maria."
"I apprehend that it is his right name; 'Jed' sounds low."
"Well, I'll tell him to come up."
When Jed made his appearance Miss Holbrook said: "You may go below, Chester. I wish to speak to Jedediah in private."
"What's up now, I wonder?" thought Jed.
The lady turned upon him a severe look.
"Jedediah," she said, "is it true that your earlier years were spent at the Scranton poorhouse?"
"Yes, madam," answered Jed, coloring.
"Did you apprise my brother of this fact when he engaged you?"
"No, madam. I suppose you learned it from Percy Dixon."