hus addressed the old man: "I am glad
that you have at last given your consent, and I want to tell you that
you shall never regret it."

"That's all right, young feller. I never squeal when a man outwinds
me, and I am as much out-winded now as if I'd been wrasselin' with a
bear. Nancy saw how the fight was goin', her and her mother, and for
the past week or so they have been makin' clothes fitten to kill
themselves, and if Nancy ain't got enough yet, why, I'll jest tell her
to put on all she's got ready and let it rip at that. Well, I'm goin'
now. I expect mebby, young feller, you'll beat me home and be married
agin I git there, but I've got nothin' to say. I know when I'm winded.
Good day."

They shook hands with him, and when he was gone Warren said: "Well,
things are settling down on a fair sort of a basis. I like that old
man, Lyman, and I don't believe I'll rush him; believe I'll give them
more time to get things ready. I could go out there tonight, but I'll
wait till tomorrow morning and let the ceremony be performed at eight
o'clock. I'll get up about five and pick up a preacher on the way.
He's a poor fellow and needs the job."

"Good!" Lyman cried. "I am really glad that you have decided not to
push the old man."

"Yes, I think it best to give him and the girl plenty of time. Don't
you?"

"I rather think so. They ought at least to have time enough to wash
their faces and comb their hair. But to tell you the truth I don't
relish the idea of getting up so early."

"You don't? Why, you've got nothing to do with it. Did you think I was
going to let you go? Not much. You'd guy me and that would turn the
whole thing into a farce. It's a fact that I don't want you; I may be
peculiar, but I can't help it. I tell you what you must do: We'll be
in town day after tomorrow night and I want you to come down to the
house and take supper with us."

"I'll be there."

"But you mus'n't guy Nancy. She'll be scared anyway."

"I won't guy her. I shall feel more disposed to pronounce a
benediction."

"I'm glad you feel that way though we don't want the occasion to be
solemn. Where are you going?"

"Over to old Jasper's to imprison myself in my room. I want to think."

* * * * *

While Lyman was busy with Caruthers, Eva was tripping along a
grass-grown street. She and her mother had just returned. The social
relationship between the banker's daughter and the daughter of old
Jasper Sta