His children have never known how it was, for I've al'ays made 'em think he was a hard worker an' painstakin' to keep back his laziness from croppin' out in 'em, if I could." "You've brought 'em up well.

That's a fine son of yours that comes courtin' my gal, Sarah.

I've hoped she'd fancy him for the sake of old times." "I never thought of yo' recollectin' that feelin', Reuben.

It makes me feel almost young again, an' I that old an' wo' out.

I've had a hard life--thar's no disputin' it, marriage is mostly puttin' up with things, I reckon, when it ain't makin' believe." "Thar's mighty few that gits the one that's meant for 'em," said Reuben, "that's sure enough.