Sam. Chirk up Mrs. Peedick; don’t try to be a widder and a wife at the same time. Don’t try to be a mourner for one man and a bride to another man simultanius. It is jest as onresonable as it would be to try to set down and stand up at once. Betsey, have you give ’em any smart weed?
Bet. No; If my husband, Mr. Slimpsey, approves, I shall probably sleep up some after the reception, and after I complete this riding-dress. I have had to write a poem to read upon this occasion. ‘A Him of victory,’ and it has hindered me about my dress. I need it, for I shall want, to ride out and take the air as soon as the children get well, for even married people cannot breathe without air, and I want to finish this for my first appearance on horseback after marriage. I have nothing to wear suitable for a bride, and this pale-plue cambric trimmed with otter color, will be becomin’ to me, and very dressy. I knew a good deal would be expected of me in my changed circumstances. I shall probably attract a great deal of attention.
Miss G. I should think you would, ridin’ that old horse of your’n. His ribs look like wash-boards.
Sam. I should jest as lives ride a case-knife.
Miss G. Most dead with blind staggers and lame as he can be, a stumblin’ and a fallin’ all the time.
Bet. I got something now to sustain me and hold me up, if horses do fall under me. They may lame me, but I have got a dignity, now, Sophronia, that horses cannot give neither can they take away. I’m married now. (Simon groans.) I shall also appear at conference meeting next Sunday evening for the first time after marriage. There is one thing I feel as if I must say in public at once, and that is, that I believe in the perseverence of saints.
Miss G. Saints!
Bet. I will now go and make a few changes in my toilet for the occasion. (She goes out carrying her riding-dress)
Sam. I havn’t seen you before, Simon, since your marriage.
Simon. I knew it would come to this, Miss Allen; I told you how it would be. She always said it was her spear to marry, and I knew I should be the one; I always was the one.