"I am sorry to hear that, Mr. Spriggins. But perhaps it is not so bad as you imagine," said the solicitor very cheerily.
"It's the roughest on you, sir. I tell yer what it is, it ain't a very disagreeable piece of bus'ness for me to git married to Melindy Jane Thrasher when we've been a-courtin' mor'n two years—jest two years last hayin' time, for Melindy came to our house to help the wimmin folks and the first time I sot eyes on her I'd made up my mind."
Mr. Spriggins was becoming very eloquent on the subject and might have said much more (not to the point) when interrupted.
"And you have come to inform us that we must give up Melindy?"
"Yes, sir, that is the hull thing in a few words," cried Mr. Spriggins very much elated, "Isn't it a wonderful gift you fellars have of speakin' right to the pint. By hokey, I'd give a good deal if I was a lawyer—an honest, fair-square one like yerself, sir."
"Thank you Mr. Spriggins," said the young man trying hard to look serious.
"I was at yer place last evenin', sir, and as Melindy and me talked the thing over, she said that she felt backward of tellin' you, and says I, Melindy, I'll see Mr. Lawson meself and tell him to look out for another girl, so as you'd not be left without help."
"And you have given us sufficient time, I hope," said Mr. Lawson, smiling.
"We're to be spliced a fortnight from next Tuesday, sir, and if it's not askin' too much, I'd like terrible well if yerself and Miss Lottie could come up to Mill Crossin' to be present at the cer'mony."
"If nothing prevents we will go," said the young man quietly.