“Well!” she said, and after a moment, to establish her composure, “you can't go on to ole Nicholas' to-night,—it's dark now.”
“I am going to the schoolhouse tonight,” replied the man.
“You're more'n welcome to stay with us,” said the woman, “if you'll stay.”
The man had now finished his supper, and he rose.
“I know that,” he said, “you are very kind to me.”
The woman got up and went to the door.
“Dear me,” she said, “I hate to see you goin' out in the night.”
The man stopped to kiss the little girl.
“I don't mind the night,” he said. “I have some things to do.”
“The schoolhouse will need cleanin' up,” said the woman, “an' to-morrow's Sunday. I ought to a-helped you clean it.”