I don't know what they're doin' in all their churches, to let such things go on," said the old woman.

"It's a sin and a shame, I think.

Don't you, Coonrod ?" A ring at the door cut short whatever answer he was about to deliver.
"If it's going to be company, Coonrod," said his mother, making an effort to rise, "I reckon I better go up-stairs." "It's Mr.Fulkerson, I guess," said Conrad.

"He thought he might come"; and at the mention of this light spirit Mrs.Dryfoos sank contentedly back in her chair, and a relaxation of their painful tension seemed to pass through the whole company.

Conrad went to the door himself (the serving-man tentatively, appeared some minutes later) and let in Fulkerson's cheerful voice before his cheerful person.
"Ah, how dye do, Conrad?
Brought our friend, Mr.Beaton, with me," those within heard him say; and then, after a sound of putting off overcoats, they saw him fill the doorway, with his feet set square and his arms akimbo.
IX.
"Ah! hello! hello!" Fulkerson said, in recognition of the Marches.
"Regular gathering of the clans.