"Calvin, you'll eat dinner with us?" cried Mr. Sam.
Calvin Parks looked at Miss Sands, and saw hospitality beaming in her face.
"Thank ye, Sim;" he said, "I'm obliged to you, Sam; I'll stay with pleasure, Miss Hands!"
It was a singular meal. Mary Sands sat at the head of the table, with all the dishes before her, and helped the three men largely to the excellent boiled dinner. Calvin Parks faced her at the foot, and the twins sat on either side. They talked cheerfully with their visitor and Miss Sands, but did not address each other directly.
Calvin remarked upon the excellence of the beef. "Fancy brisket, ain't it?" he asked.
"Yes!" replied Mr. Sim. "It's the best cut on the critter for cornin'."
Mr. Sam looked at his cousin. "Tell him I don't agree with him!" he said.
"Cousin Sim, Cousin Sam don't agree with you!" said Mary Sands placidly.
"Tell him the aitch bone is better!" continued Mr. Sam with some heat.
"He says the aitch bone is better!" repeated Mary Sands.