"And hit done him more harm than good, too; he's been more wild-like ever sence. But, women, whilst I ricollect hit, I feel to tell you afore my man Lot gets in, not to pay no notice to nothing he says or does. He follers Solomon's counsel about strange women, and hit's untelling what he may do or say when he sees you here."
"Hit is that," agreed Ruthena; "paw's a mighty resolute man."
"And he hain't heared the news yet about your taking the night with us," added Aunt Ailsie, anxiously.
Shortly after this, Uncle Lot, hoe in hand, and all unsuspecting, stepped gravely up on the porch, and stopped in blank amazement.
"Here's two of the furrin women, paw, drapped in to see us—Virginny and Amy's their names."
The two arose and put out friendly hands, which Uncle Lot inspected and touched gingerly. Then, hanging his hoe in a crack in the chinking, he passed on through "t'other house," to wash.
Returning, he seated himself on the porch at a safe distance, and after a dignified silence, began, with a cold gleam in his eye:—
"Women, I hear you come up from the level country."
"Yes, from the Blue Grass."
"Quite a ways from home you traveled?"