Every inch of distance betwixt 'em is an inch added to thar attractions." "Now, I've noticed that in my own case," observed Jim Halloween sadly, "no woman yet has ever let me come with kissin' distance--the nearer I git, the further an' further they edges away.

It's the curse of my luck, I reckon, for it seems as if I never open my mouth to propose that I don't put my foot in it." "You may comfort yo'self with the thought that it runs in yo' family," rejoined old Adam.

"'Tis a contrariness of natur for which you're not to be held accountable.

I remember yo' grandpa, that same Jacob, tellin' me once that he never sot out to make love that his tongue didn't take a twist unbeknownst to him, an' to his surprise, thar'd roll off 'turnips' an' 'carrots' instid of terms of endearment.

Now, with me 'twas quite opposite, for my tongue was al'ays quicker than my heart in the matter of courtin'.