“Yes,” said Lemuel delightedly; “you've got to, Miss Dudley.”
“Miss Dudley!” repeated 'Manda Grier. “How that does sound.”
“I don't know as it sounds any worse than Mr. Barker,” said Lemuel.
“Well,” said 'Manda Grier judicially, “I she'd think it was 'bout time they was both of 'em dropped, 'T any rate, I don't want you should call me Miss Grier—Lemuel.”
“Oh!” cried Statira. “Well, you are getting along, 'Manda Grier!”
“Well, don't you let yourself be outdone then, S'tira.”
“I guess Mr. Barker's good enough for me a while yet,” said Statira, and she hastened to add, “The name, I mean,” and at this they all laughed till Statira said, “I shall certainly die!” She suddenly recovered herself—those girls seemed to do everything like lightning, Lemuel observed—and said, “No, I ain't goin' to have mine told at all. I don't like it. Seems kind of wicked. I ruther talk. I never could make it just right to act so with the Bible.”
Lemuel was pleased at that. Statira seemed prettier than ever in this mood of reverence.
“Well, don't talk too much when I'm gone,” said 'Manda Grier, and before anybody could stop her, she ran out of the room. But she put her head in again to say, “I'll be back as soon's I can take this key home.”
Lemuel did not know what to do. The thought of being alone with Statira again was full of rapture and terror. He was glad when she seized the door and tried to keep 'Manda Grier.