"Well, well, Patty, perhaps it will," acceded the squire.
"But since 't is settled already by foreordination, let the lass
have a good time before it comes. Wouldst rather marry the
parson than Phil, Janice?"

"I don 't want to marry any one," cried the girl, beginning
to sob.

"A stiff-necked child thou art," said her mother, sternly.
"Dost hear me?"

"Yes, mommy," responded a woful voice.

"And dost intend to be obedient?"

"Yes, mommy," sobbed the girl.

"Then if thee'll not give her to the parson, Lambert, 't is
best that she marry Philemon. She needs a husband to rule
and chasten her."

"Then 't is a bargain, Hennion," said Mr. Meredith, offering
a hand each to father and son.

"Yer see, Phil, it 's ez I told yer," cried the elder.
"Naow hev dun with yer stand-offishness an' buss the gal.
Thet 'ere is the way ter please them."

Philemon faltered, glancing from one to another, for Janice