Ellis Parker Butler

“ Has he made eyes at ye?"
"Now, John! how could I see if he did or not in that dark parlor?"
"I waited for Henry," said John, "and I waited for William—"
"Well, all I ask is that you give Joe a chance to see what he thinks of doing," pleaded Mary. "If he don't come 'round soon—"
"I haven't rushed you," said John sulkily. "I've give you time with William—hog ding it! a man that haint kissed ye and haint held your hand and haint made eyes at ye hasn't no call to keep me waiting! No, by cats! Maybe I'm an impatient man—"
Mary flared up.
"You're an unreasonable man, like all men are!" ”

“ John sighed.
"Well, Mary," he said. "I wont rush ye. I don't want to be unfair to any man or woman and I'll wait until you see how things are likely to turn out. I done it with Henry and I've still got my chance with you, and I'll take your word you'll hurry William all you can. It's only fair a young woman should have her chance at the best. I'm willing to abide by anything that's reasonable." ”

“ You know I think a heap of you."
"Well, if you've got any good reason," said John doubtfully.
"I'll tell you straight out," said Mary. "William Carbury acts like he was lookin' my way, John. I can't make out anything sure about it yet. He's a slow mover, the same as you are, but it seems to me he is lookin' my way a little. It don't seem hardly right I should rush in and get married to somebody else when a moneyed man like William Carbury is taking notice. He has a fine farm, John. He has money in the bank. He has the best house on the brook. ”