I acted real unlikely, I know; but, you see, Kenelm does mean so much to me that I couldn't bear to think of givin' him up to anybody else.

When I come to think it over I realized 'twa'n't no more'n I had ought to have expected.

I mustn't be selfish and I ain't goin' to be.
S'long's 'tain't that--that Jezebel of an Abbie Larkin I don't mind so much.

I couldn't stand havin' her in the family--THAT I couldn't stand.
Oh, and if you don't mind, Mrs.Thankful, just don't say nothin' about the engagin' yet awhile.

I shouldn't mind, of course, but Kenelm, he's set on keepin' it secret for a spell.