"That's a fact in natural history I was not aware of.

Well, farmer, then let's you and I go by ourselves." So Patty stayed at home, in obedience to rural superstition, and Jael stayed to keep her company, and Farmer Dence went to church out of piety; and as for Henry, to tell the truth, he went to church to escape the girls' tongues, and to be in a quiet, somniferous place, where he could think out his plans undisturbed.
The men were no sooner gone than the sisters began to gossip hard.
"Eh, Jael, thou's gotten a prize." "Not as I know of." "I do adore a dark young man." "So do I; but this one is not mine." "I'll take his word before thine.

Why, he calls thee his lass in his very letter." "Not he.

Show me his letter." "What will ye give me ?" "Nay, Patty, pray show it me." "Well, and so I will." She brought her the letter.

Jael read it and changed color, and was delighted for a moment or two; but soon her good sense and humility prevailed.