human
Aunt Bickford, he suddenly announced,
gpt
I may's well out with it! I've got a piece o' news to tell you, if you won't let on to nobody. I expect you'll laugh, but you know I've set everything by Mary Lizzie Gifford ever since I was a boy. Well, sir!
human
Well, sir! exclaimed aunt Bickford in her turn, quickly roused into most comfortable self-forgetfulness.
gpt
I am really pleased. She'll make you a good, smart wife, John. Ain't all the folks pleased, both sides?
human
Yes, they be,
gpt
I guess I can make out to do something for you to help along, when the right time comes, said aunt Bickford impulsively, after a moment's reflection.
human
I've known what it is to be starting out in life with plenty o' hope. You ain't calculatin' on gettin' married before fall,--or be ye?
gpt
said John regretfully.
human
I wish t' we could set up for ourselves right away this summer. I ain't got much ahead, but I can work well as anybody, an' now I'm out o' my time.
gpt
She's a nice, modest, pretty girl. I thought she liked you, John, said the old aunt.
human
I saw her over to your mother's, last day I was there. Well, I expect you'll be happy.
gpt
Certain, said John, turning to look at her affectionately, surprised by this outspokenness and lack of embarrassment between them.
human
Thank you, aunt, he said simply;
gpt
and he looked away again hastily, and blushed a fine scarlet over his sun-browned face.
human
She's coming over to spend the day with the girls, he added.
gpt
Mother thought of it. You don't get over to see us very often.