human
I declare! said his own sister, Mrs. Abby Martin.
gpt
We could reckon what a sight o' folks there was here this afternoon by the times we had to make new tea, if there wa'n't no other way. I don't know's I ever see a larger gathering on such an occasion. Mis' Stevens an' me was trying to count 'em. There was twenty-six wagons hitched in the yard an' lane, so William said, besides all that come afoot; an' a few had driven away before they made the count.
human
I'd no idea of there bein' so many, said Israel sadly.
gpt
Well, 't was natural for all who knew her to show respect. I felt much obliged to the folks, and for Elder Wall's excellent remarks.
human
A number spoke their approval to him in my hearing. He seemed pleased that everything passed off well, said sister Martin.
gpt
I expect he wanted to do the best he could. Everybody knows she was always a good friend to him. I never see anybody that set so by her minister. William was telling of me he'd been very attentive all through her sickness. Poor William! He does mourn, but he behaved very pretty, I thought. He wanted us to tell you that he'd be over to-morrow soon's he could. He wanted dreadful to stop with ye overnight, but we all know what it is to run a milk farm.
human
I'd b'en glad if 't was so he could be here with us to-night, an' his wife with him,