Maud won't tell me, but I know it's somethin' old-fashioned and reminds me of my grandmother; or, maybe, it's my grandfather; come to think, I guess likely 'tis." Ruth grasped his meaning later when she tasted the pudding and found it flavored with New England rum.
After dinner they adjourned to the parlor.

Maud, being coaxed by her adoring father, played the piano.

Then she sang.

Then they all sang, all except Jed and the captain, that is.

The latter declared that his voice had mildewed in the damp weather they had been having lately, and Jed excused himself on the ground that he had been warned not to sing because it was not healthy.
Barbara was surprised and shocked.
"Why, Uncle Jed!" she cried.