Jos. I’m bein’ cheerful, Samantha.
Sam. You are bein’ a natural born idiot, and do you stop it.
Jos. I wont stop it, Samantha; I will be cheerful.
Sam. Wont you go out and let me rest awhile, Josiah Allen?
Jos. No; I will stand by you and be cheerful. Doctor Bombus said you must be kept perfectly quiet, and I must be cheerful before you; it is my duty, and I will be.
Sam. It seems to me I should like some lemonade, if the lemons wasn’t all used up.
Jos. I will harness up the old mare and start for Jonesville, and get you some. (He goes out, but comes back and puts his head inside the door and laughs loud)
Enter Betsey.
Bet. I had just got home when I heard of the axident, so I thought I would come back and spend the entiah day. (She takes off her hat.) How do you feel, Josiah Allen’s wife?
Sam. I feel very bad and feverish.