human
You could come in behind like, Joe, just as if I knew nothin' about it,
gpt
Don't you say a word of me, and she won't say nothing, you may be sure. You ain't going to give in to all her cantraps that way, John? John shook his head and rubbed the meal about on his forehead.
human
It was only just something for her to say. What have I done that she should object to me?
gpt
You didn't ever go for to--kiss her,--did you, Joe?
human
What a one'er you are! That wouldn't 'a set her again me. It is just because I stood up and spoke for you like a man that night at Sheep's Acre, when her mind was turned the other way. Don't you notice nothing about it. When we're all in the church she won't go back because Joe Mixet's there. I'll bet you a gallon, old fellow, she and I are the best friends in Bungay before six months are gone.
gpt
Nay, nay; she must have a better friend than thee, Joe, or I must know the reason why. But John Crumb's heart was too big for jealousy, and he agreed at last that Joe Mixet should be his best man, undertaking to
human
Ain't she bootiful now? he said aloud to Mrs. Hurtle on the platform, to the great delight of half Bungay, who had accompanied him on the occasion. Ruby, hearing her praises thus sung, made a fearful grimace as she turned round to Mrs. Pipkin, and whispered to her aunt, so that those only who were within a yard or two could hear her;
gpt
He is such a fool! Then he conducted Mrs. Hurtle in an omnibus up to the Inn, and afterwards himself drove Mrs. Pipkin and Ruby out to Sheep's Acre; in the performance of all which duties he was dressed in the green cutaway coat with brass buttons which had been expressly made for his marriage.
human
Thou'rt come back then, Ruby,
gpt
I ain't going to trouble you long, grandfather,
human
So best;--so best. And this is Mrs. Pipkin?
gpt
Yes, Mr. Ruggles; that's my name.
human
I've heard your name. I've heard your name, and I don't know as I ever want to hear it again. But they say as you've been kind to that girl as 'd 'a been on the town only for that.
gpt
Grandfather, that ain't true, said Ruby with energy. The old man made no rejoinder, and Ruby was allowed to take her aunt up into the bedroom which they were both to occupy.
human
Now, Mrs. Pipkin, just you say, pleaded Ruby,
gpt
But, Ruby, you might always have gone to live with the young man instead when you pleased.
human
You mean John Crumb.
gpt
Of course I mean John Crumb, Ruby.
human
There ain't much to choose between 'em. What one says is all spite; and the other man says nothing at all.
gpt
Oh Ruby, Ruby, said Mrs. Pipkin, with solemnly persuasive voice,
human
I hope you'll come to learn some day, that a loving heart is better nor a fickle tongue,--specially with vittels certain.
gpt
See, I've got her at last in spite of all difficulties. Poor Ruby, in her misery under this treatment, would have escaped out of the cart had it been possible. But now she was altogether in the man's hands and no escape was within her reach.
human
What's the odds? said Mrs. Pipkin as they settled their bonnets in a room at the Inn just before they entered the church.
gpt
Drat it,--you make me that angry I'm half minded to cuff you. Ain't he fond o' you? Ain't he got a house of his own? Ain't he well to do all round? Manners! What's manners? I don't see nothing amiss in his manners. He means what he says, and I call that the best of good manners.
human
I, John,--take thee Ruby,--to my wedded wife,--to 'ave and to 'old,--from this day forrard,--for better nor worser,--for richer nor poorer--; and so on to the end. And when he came to the