Mandy was, of course, greatly pleased inwardly because Hiram had come
through such a great storm to see her, but, woman-like, she would not
show it.
So she said to Hiram, "Your reason is a very good one, and of course I
am greatly flattered, but there must be something else besides that.
Now, what have you got to tell me?"
"Well, the fact is, Mandy, I've got two things on my mind. One of 'em is
a secret and t'other isn't. I meant to have told you yesterday; but Mr.
Sawyer kept me busy till noon, and the Deacon kept me busy all the
afternoon, and I was too tired to come over last night."
"Well," said Mandy, "tell me the secret first. If the other one has kept
so long it won't spoil if it's kept a little longer."
Hiram had kept his eyes on the stove since taking his seat, and he then
remarked, "I am afraid that cider will spoil unless I get a drink of it
pretty soon."
"Well, I declare," cried Mandy, "if I didn't forget to give it to you,
after sending Mrs. Crowley down stairs for it, when you was out there in
the road."
"That's all right," said Hiram, as he finished the mugful she passed
him, and handed it back to be refilled.
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