"There ain't but twenty-three.

It's bad enough to be payin' twice what they're wuth for eggs, without havin' of 'em come short." "I tell you I counted 'em twice over, and they're all right.

You keep still, father," said William's voice at his ear, in a fierce whisper, and Silas subsided into sullen mutterings.
William had meditated following Rebecca to the door; he had even meditated going farther; but now he stood back behind the counter, and began packing up some boxes with a busy air.
"Ain't you going a piece with Rebecca, and carry her basket, William ?" Rose called back, when the two girls reached the door.
Rebecca clutched her arm.

"Oh, don't," she gasped, and Rose giggled.
"Ain't you, William ?" she said again.
Rebecca hurried out the door, but she heard William reply coldly that he couldn't, he was too busy.

She was half crying when Rose caught up with her.
"William wanted to go bad enough, but he was too upset by what father said.