oracularly.

"But not to be always looking for it," said her brother.

"It'll come, whether you look for it or not," returned her sister,
sententiously.

"Then, suppose we spend no thoughts upon it, since, according to
your admission, it's sure to come either way."

Rachel pursued her knitting, in severe melancholy.

"Won't you have another piece of pudding, Timothy?" asked Mrs.
Crump.

"I don't care if I do, Mary, it's so good," said the cooper, passing
his plate. "Seems to me it's the best pudding you ever made."

"You've got a good appetite, that is all," said Mrs. Crump,
modestly.

"By the way, Mary," said the cooper, with a sudden thought, "I quite
forgot that I have something for you."

"For me?"

"Yes, from Mr. Merriam."

"But he don't know me," said Mrs. Crump, in surprise.