“Well, well!” said the impetuous cousin, “I don't want to make you vexed, and still less do I come here to talk such politics with you. What do you say to tickling a trout this afternoon? That's what I come for.”
“It's too cool,” said the old man.
“Not a bit. There's a wind from the south, and a cast of cloud is constantly growing between us and the sun. I think we shall do something—something better than talking about love, and law, where nobody's agreed. You, gran'pa, won't take the love; Bill Hinkley can't stomach the law, and the trout alone can bring about a reconciliation. Come, gran'pa, I'm resolved on getting your supper to-night, and you must go and see me do it.”
“On one condition only, Ned.”
“What's that, gran'pa?”
“That you both sup with me.”
“Done for myself. What say you, Bill?”
The youth gave a sad assent, and the rattling youth proceeded:—
“The best cure of grief is eating. Love is a sort of pleasant grief. Many a case of affliction have I seen mended by a beefsteak. Fish is better. Get a lover to eat, rouse up his appetites, and, to the same extent, you lessen his affections. Hot suppers keep down the sensibilities; and, gran'pa, after ours, to-night, you shall have the fiddle. If I don't make her speak to you to-night, my name's Brag, and you need never again believe me.”
And the good-humored youth, gathering up his canes, led the way to the hills, slowly followed by his two less elastic companions.