"No, I don't. I'm glad I've seen her. I've
got that much, anyhow. I can always remember her and think about how
sweet and beautiful she was--"
"And die at the age of eighty with her name comin' from your lips on
your last breath. To be sure.... Seems to me, though, it would be a
sight more satisfyin' to live them fifty-odd years _with_ her and raise
up a fam'ly, and git some benefits out of that sweetness and beauty and
sich like, besides mullin' 'em over in your mind. Speakin' of Seliny,
wasn't you?"
"Yes."
"Don't hanker to marry her?"
"Mr. Baines--"
"Then why in tunket don't you?"
"She's a Baptist."
"White, hain't she?"
"Yes."
"Respectable?"
"Of course, sir."
"Don't call to mind no state law ag'in' Congregationalists marryin'
Baptists."
"My congregation wouldn't allow it."
"Hain't never seen no deed of sale of you to your congregation."
"Her father would never permit it?"
"Huh!..."
"And she's an obedient daughter."
"Has she said so?"
"Y-yes."
"Ho! Kind of human, after all, hain't you? Look pleased when she said
it?"
"She cried."
"Comfort her--some."
"I--She--she loves me, Mr.
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