I read it afore I turned in." "You did! And never said nothin' about it ?" "Why should I say anything about it?
'Twas addressed to me as town clerk, and was concernin' a matter to be took up with the board of s'lectmen.

I ain't in the habit of hollerin' town affairs through a speakin' trumpet.

Folks that vote for me town-meetin' day know that, I guess.

Angie Phinney says to me only yesterday, 'Mr.Tidditt,' says she, 'there's one thing I'll say for you--you don't talk.'" Miss Phinney boarded with the Bangses, and Bailey was acquainted with her personal peculiarities; for that matter so were most of Bayport's permanent residents.
"Humph!" he snorted indignantly.

"She thought 'twas a good thing not to talk, hey?
SHE did?
Well, by mighty! you never get no CHANCE to talk when she's around.