DEACON ROBERTS. 'Tis sweet to be clean, Mrs. Jones the Wash.
MRS. JONES THE WASH. [Laughing.] Yiss, yiss, Deacon Roberts, there has many a chapel been built out of a washtub, an' many a prayer risen up from the suds!
DEACON ROBERTS. [Solemnly.] Aye, Mrs. Jones the Wash, 'tis holy work, washin' is very holy work.
MRS. JONES THE WASH. [Touched.] Yiss, yiss, I thank ye, Deacon Roberts.
DEACON ROBERTS. Well, I must be steppin' homeward now.
NELI. [Firmly.] Nay, Mr. Roberts. I am searchin' on the shelf where I think that American Indian relish is. Ye act as if ye had some cause to hurry, Mr. Roberts. Wait a moment, if you please.
DEACON ROBERTS. Well, indeed, but I am keepin' Mrs. Jones the Wash waitin'!
NELI. [To Mrs. Jones.] Ye are in no haste?
MRS. JONES THE WASH. [Thoroughly comfortable and happy.] Nay, mum, no haste at all. I am havin' a rest, an' 'tis grand an' warm here whatever.
NELI. [Maliciously to Deacon.] Does it feel hot by the fire?