Judge Hollis put on his spectacles and looked at him thoughtfully. “Depends on the circumstances, Juniper,� he replied. “I suppose Aunt Charity is tired of you at last?�
“No, suh, she ain’t, but I ez,� said Juniper indignantly; “she done b’haved so onerary dat I’se sho gwine ter be divorced, I ez, ef it don’ cost too much,� he added dolefully.
The judge’s eyes twinkled. “You’ll have to pay her alimony,� he said.
“What’s dat?� Juniper demanded with anxiety.
“So much a week out of your wages,� explained Trench, catching the judge’s eye.
“I ain’t gwine ter do it, noways,� said Juniper firmly.
“Don’t you have to support her now?� Trench asked mildly.
Juniper looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully. “I’se allus been proud ob de way she done washin’, suh,� he said; “she sho do mek money dat away, an’ I ain’t gwine ter complain ob noffin but de way she behaved ’bout Miss Eaton’s silver teapot, dat Miss Jinny done gib me fo’ a birthday present.�
“Silver teapot?� Caleb Trench looked questioningly at the judge.
“Juniper had a birthday,� Judge Hollis explained grimly, “and Aunt Charity gave him a birthday party. I reckon we all sent Juniper something, but Jinny Eaton gave him a silver-plated teapot, and there have been squalls ever since. Who’s got that teapot now, Juniper?�