Nevertheless he wrote down the words.
'Hast thee put that I'm in my sound mind and seven senses?
Then make the sign of the Trinity, and write, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."' 'Is that the right way o' beginning a will ?' said Coulson, a little startled.
'My father, and my father's father, and my husband had it a-top of theirs, and I'm noane going for to cease fra' following after them, for they were godly men, though my husband were o' t' episcopal persuasion.' 'It's done,' said William.
'Hast thee dated it ?' asked Alice.
'Nay.' 'Then date it third day, ninth month.

Now, art ready ?' Coulson nodded.
'I, Alice Rose, do leave my furniture (that is, my bed and chest o' drawers, for thy bed and things is thine, and not mine), and settle, and saucepans, and dresser, and table, and kettle, and all the rest of my furniture, to my lawful and only daughter, Hester Rose.

I think that's safe for her to have all, is 't not, William ?' 'I think so, too,' said he, writing on all the time.
'And thee shalt have t' roller and paste-board, because thee's so fond o' puddings and cakes.

It 'll serve thy wife after I'm gone, and I trust she'll boil her paste long enough, for that's been t' secret o' mine, and thee'll noane be so easy t' please.' 'I din't reckon on marriage,' said William.
'Thee'll marry,' said Alice.

'Thee likes to have thy victuals hot and comfortable; and there's noane many but a wife as'll look after that for t' please thee.' 'I know who could please me,' sighed forth William, 'but I can't please her.' Alice looked sharply at him from over her spectacles, which she had put on the better to think about the disposal of her property.
'Thee art thinking on our Hester,' said she, plainly out.
He started a little, but looked up at her and met her eyes.
'Hester cares noane for me,' said he, dejectedly.
'Bide a while, my lad,' said Alice, kindly.