FOLKS FROM DIXIE
"Oh, I assure you you are wrong, Mr. Taft. I am not very tired, and if I were there is nothing that rests the mind like agreeable company." And oh, the ravishing smile as she said this! Alonzo felt his head going.
"I don't reckon even agreeable company 'u'd res' me aftah labourin' wif some o' de childern you've got in yo' school; I knows 'em."
"Well, it's true they're not all of them saints."
"No, indeed, they 're not saints. I don't see how a slendah, delikit lady like yo'se'f kin manage 'em, 'less 'n you jes' 'spire 'em wif respect."
"I can see already," she answered, "that it is going to take something more than inspiration to manage the rising generation of Miltonville."
Here was Alonzo's opportunity. He cast his eyes romantically toward the ceiling.
"I c'nfess," he said, "dat I am one o' dem dat believes dat yo' sex ought to be mo' fu' o'nament. You ought to have de strong ahms of a man to pertect you an' manage fu' you."
If that was a twinkle which for an instant lightened the dark eyes of Miss Callena, Mr. Taft did not see it, for his own orbs were still feelingly contemplating the ceiling.
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