"Thora might wait until the wedding, though," said Aunt Margret, and then Oscar came dashing into the room.
"Out walking--lost count of the time--only six minutes to dress--did it in five," he said, in breathless gasps.
"He's another pale one," laughed the Rector. "Has there been a frost overnight that has nipped all our rose-buds?"
"Been running to get here," said Oscar, "but I've raced Magnus it seems."
"Magnus has raced you in another way, my boy," said the Rector, nodding his head toward Thora, who was blushing and looking down; whereupon the Governor muttered:
"Oscar must not dream of marriage yet awhile. He has his career to think about, and he has not been too earnest about it hitherto."
"Well, my experience in business," said the Factor, "is that when a woman marries she slackens off, but when a man marries he tightens up."
At that the Sheriff nudged the Rector, who whispered:
"The Factor has still another daughter, Rector."
"What, if he has?" said the Factor. "A man can't have two sisters-in-law to one brother."