DELIBERATION OF MR. DUNKIN
Martha watched him as he went down the street and faded into the darkness. Then she went in and locked her door.
"I don't keer," she said to herself, "I don't keer a bit. Ef he wants huh, he kin go 'long an' git huh. I 'low she'll be glad enough to have him. I ain't gwine to try an' hol' him a bit." Then, to fortify her resolution, she buried her face in her apron and sobbed out the fulness of her heart.
Mr. Taft's good-humour and gallantry came back to him as he knocked at Eli Thompson's door and asked for the teacher. Yes, she was in, and came smiling into the front room to see him. He carefully picked his phrases of greeting, shook her hand gently, and hoped that she was enjoying good health.
Alonzo rather prided himself on the elegance of his conversation. His mind rebelled against the idea of having to talk hogs to this divine creature, and for some one else besides.
"Reely, Miss Callena, I do' know as de gent'men ought to bothah you by callin' 'roun' in de evenin'. Haid wo'k is so hahd dat aftah yo' dooties endurin' de day you mus' be mos' nigh wo' out when night comes."
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