During the four visits this man has paid to us, I have observed a degree of familiarity on his part which no man has a right to exhibit towards you; and which, did I not see that you permit it, no man would _dare_ to show.

Why do you allow him to call you 'Mary ?' No one else in the settlement does so." "He is a very old friend," replied the widow, sadly.

"I have known him from childhood.

We were playmates long ago." "Humph, that's some sort of reason, no doubt; but you don't appear to like him, and his presence always seems to give you pain.

Why do you suffer yourself to be annoyed by him?
Only say the word, mother, and I'll kick him out of the house, neck and crop--" "Hush, boy; you are too violent." "Too violent! Why, it would make a coward violent to see his mother tormented as you are by this fellow, and not to be allowed to put a stop to it.