Holcroft frowned, for he was in no mood for his friend's rough jests. "Go to
your mother till I send for you," he said to Jane.

"The fact that you had taken two other females from the house gave some color
to Mrs. Mumpson's views," pursued Watterly, who could take only the broadest
hint as to his social conduct.

He received one now. "Tom Watterly," said the farmer sternly, "did I ever
insult your wife?"

"By jocks! No, you nor no other man. I should say not."

"Well, then, don't you insult mine. Before I'd seen Mrs. Holcroft, you told
me she was out of the common run,--how much out, you little know,--and I don't
want her mixed up with the common run, even in your thoughts."

"Well, now, I like that," said Watterly, giving Holcroft his hand. "You know I
didn't mean any offense, Jim. It was only one of my foolish jokes. You were
mighty slow to promise to love, honor, and obey, but hanged if you aint more
on that line than any man in town. I can see she's turning out well and
keeping her agreement."

"Yes, that's just what she's doing," said the farmer gloomily. "She's a good,
capable woman that'll sacrifice herself to her duty any day. But it wasn't to
talk about her I came. She's a sight better than I am, but she's probably not
good enough for anybody in this town to speak to."

"Oh, pshaw; now, Jim!"