Well, I'm off! I'm hungrier 'n a gray wolf in a bear-trap." And off he went as he came.

But he did not whistle; he chewed.
Bacon felt as if he had made too much of a concession, and had a strong inclination to shout after him, and retract his invitation; but he did not, only worked on, with an occasional bear-like grin.

There was something captivating in this fellow's free and easy way.
When he came up to the house an hour or two later, in singular good humor for him, he found the Elder in the creamery, with "the old woman" and Marietta.

Marietta was not more won by him than was Jane Bacon, he was so genial and put on so few religious frills.
Mrs.Bacon never put on frills of any kind.

She was a most frightful toiler, only excelled (if excelled at all) by her husband.