Page:Folks from Dixie (1898).pdf/293

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DELIBERATION OF MR. DUNKIN

in sense or money. But I am glad to say dat I wo'ked fu' everything myse'f."

"You have reason to be proud of such a fact."

They were visibly warming up. Alonzo moved his chair a little nearer, and possessed himself of Miss Callena's hand. She did not draw it away nor repulse him. She even hung her head. Yes, the proud, educated, queenly Callena Johnson hung her head. Meanwhile, in the darkness of the doorway the form stood and glowered upon them.

"Miss Callena, at a time like dis, I hates to talk to you about de o'dina'y things of life, but when anything se'ious arises, it is allus well fu' de pahties to know each othah's circumstances."

"You are a very sensible man, Mr. Taft."

"Call me 'Lonzo," he murmured, patting her hand. "But, as I was going to say, it's necessary dat you should know de circumstances of anybody who wanted to ax fu' dis han' dat I'm a-holdin'."

Miss Callena turned her head away and was silent. In fact, she held her breath.

"Miss Johnson—Callena—what 'u'd you think of a nice cottage wif no encumbrances on

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