"Flos really belongs to Laddie, and we are mighty glad he has her." "You should have one soon, yourself," he said.
"Well, if the rest of them will hurry up and marry off, so the expenses won't be so heavy, maybe I can." "How many of you are there ?" he asked.
"Only twelve," I said.
He looked down the road at our house.
"Do you mean to tell me you have twelve children there ?" he inquired.
"Oh no!" I answered.

"Some of the big boys have gone into business in the cities around, and some of the girls are married.

Mother says she has only to show her girls in the cities to have them snapped up like hot cakes." "I fancy that is the truth," he said.

"I've passed the one who rides the little black pony and she is a picture.

A fine, healthy, sensible-appearing young woman!" "I don't think she's as pretty as your girl," I said.
"Perhaps I don't either," he replied, smiling at me.
Then he mounted his horse.
"I don't remember that I ever have passed that house," he said, "without hearing some one singing.