I don't think she meant my singin'--Josiah did when we talked it over
afterwards.

He believed it firm.

I believe I wuz a-moralizin' of her, and should have done good if I
hadn't been broke in on.

But all of a sudden Josiah Allen fairly bust into the house, all wrought
up, and fearful excited.

He had been a-talkin' with Deacon Henzy out by the gate, and I spoze
Deacon Henzy had disseminated some new news to him. But anyway he wuz
crazy with a wild and startlin' idee.

[Illustration: A-talkin' with Deacon Henzy.]

He wanted to set off to once to the Equinomical Counsel, which he said
wuz a-goin' to be held by the male Methodists in Washington, D.C. And,
sez he--

"Samantha, git my fine shirt and my best necktie to once, for I want to
start on the noon train."

"What for?" sez I coldly; for I discourage his wild projects all I can.

I have to act like a heavy weight in a clock movin' half the time, or he
would be jest swept to and frow like a pendulum. It makes me feel queer.