"He says you'd stay if you
could; that they almost drove you home. And he asks that I be kind
to you, because there are not many to care for you--and--and---"
"Oh, Lord! never can get even with that Zeb Jarvis," groaned Ezra.
"But you needn't tell me that's all the letter's about."
Her eyes were full of tears, yet not so full but that she saw the
plain, closing words in all their significance. Swiftly the letter
went to her lips, then was thrust into her bosom, and she seized
the cobbler's hand, exclaiming: "Yes, I will! I will! You shall
stay with us, and be one of us!" and in her excitement she put her
left hand caressingly on his shoulder.
"SUSAN!" exclaimed Mr. Rolliffe, who entered at that moment, and
looked aghast at the scene.
"Yes, I WILL!" exclaimed Susie, too wrought up now for restraint.
"Will what?" gasped the mother.
"Be Zebulon Jarvis's wife. He's asked me plump and square like a
soldier; and I'll answer as grandma did, and like grandma I'll
face anything for his sake."
"WELL, this IS suddent!" exclaimed Mrs.
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