"Why, Sir, methinks it's time enough to think about it when it comes."
"But it may come suddenly, like a thief in the night, and bear off your soul to the great world of spirits."
"If it should, then the Lord have mercy on my soul. I suppose he will, as he likes to save sinners, so the parsons say."
I then described to him the frame of mind in which I had left Mrs. Allen—his wife being present the whole of the time. He could not refrain from weeping, though he endeavoured to conceal his tears; and when I had finished, he said that he knew her very well, but as she was a Methodist, he had been prejudiced against her, but added, "If this be a sample of their religion, it is of a better sort than I imagined." And turning to his wife, he said, "Do as you like, I will never oppose thee again."
"That's the best news I have heard to-day. I'll go to chapel on Sunday."
"I hope, Sir, that you will stay and take a pot-luck dinner with us; it will be plainish fare, but a hearty welcome."
"Yes, Sir, do," said his modest-looking wife; "we have just killed a pig, and I have a nice pork pie, and some apple sauce and cream."
I thanked them both for their kindness, but declined accepting the invitation, having engaged to dine with a friend in the neighbourhood.
"Pray, Sir, if a body may be so bold, do I know your friend?"