The cooper laughed.
“So, Rachel, you conclude that one or the other is the inevitable lot of all who are engaged in this business.”
“It is always well to be prepared for the worst,” said Rachel, oracularly.
“But not to be always looking for it,” said her brother.
“It'll come, whether you look for it or not,” returned his sister, sententiously.
“Then, suppose we spend no thoughts upon it, since, according to your admission, it's sure to come either way.”
Rachel pursued her knitting, in severe melancholy.
“Won't you have another piece of pudding, Timothy?” asked Mrs. Crump.
“I don't care if I do, Mary, it's so good,” said the cooper, passing his plate. “Seems to me it's the best pudding you ever made.”
“You've got a good appetite, that is all,” said Mrs. Crump, modestly.