Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/126

 be moths in the world, arter they get to be men and women."

The paternal narrative was interrupted by Cuffe bearing refreshments; for the Lady seldom permitted any one to leave her mansion, without partaking its hospitality, A well warmed mince-pye, and a mug of sparkling cider, she had supposed would be useful in guarding the farmer from the extreme cold of his ride; and he soon convinced her, by his formidable attacks upon both, that she had not misjudged in the question of what was palatable. After despatching his refection, and some business respecting the farm, he hesitated slightly and said—

"I wonder now, if you'd take it hard, Ma'am, if I should trouble you with some o' my own family consarns, and ax your advice about 'em, seein' you've had more years, and experunce than I?" The Lady assured him of her willingness both to listen, and to serve him, according to her ability.

"Well then, it's all about my nephew, Amariah Stutson. He's liv'd with me now goin' on ten year. About the time o' my movin' into York State, his daddy died, and the children was all necessiated to be put out. My old woman, she set on me to take this boy, cause he was her sister Jemima's son, and she always set great store by 'Mima. I tell'd her he was a spindlin', white-liver'd thing, and never'd stand the fever and agy in the new countries. But she kept at me, till she had her way, as women are pretty apt to do; and he did better than I ex-