He was like a boy spoilin' for a new toy, an' he got crazy over Collie.

He's sure terribly in love with her, an' for days he behaved himself in a way calculated to make up for his drinkin' too much.

It shows he can behave himself when he wants to.
I mean he can control his temper an' impulse.

Anyway, he made himself so good that Old Bill changed his mind, after what he swore that day, an' set another day for the weddin'.

Right off, then, Collie goes down on her back....