“He says, 'You had ought to be kivered up in salt, young man, else yo'll spile in this climate.'
“I says, 'I'll keep in any climate.'
“He says, 'Polly ain't givin' her thoughts much to marryin', she's busy keepin' house fo' her pore old father.'
“I says, 'I've come here special fo' to arouse them thoughts you mention. If I seem slow.'
“He says, 'You don't. If this is yo' idea of bein' slow, I'd wish to avoid you when you was in a hurry.'
“I says, 'Put in yo' spare moments thinkin' up a suitable blessin' fo' us.'
“He says, 'You'll have yo' hands full. There's a number of young fellows hereabouts that you don't lay it over none in p'int of freshness or looks.'
“I says, 'Does she encourage any of 'em?'
“He says, 'Nope, she don't. Ain't I been tellin' you she's givin' her mind to keepin' house fo' her pore old father?'
“I says, 'If she don't encourage 'em none, she shore must disencourage 'em. I 'low she gets my help in that.'