She stopped as if she had received a sudden blow; then a shy, sweet consent seemed to run through her heart. “O Jacob!” was all she could say. “But you will, Susan?” he urged; and then (neither of them exactly knew how it happened) all at once his arms were around her, and they had kissed each other. “Susan,” he said, presently, “I am a poor man--only a farm hand, and must work for my living. You could look for a better husband.” “I could never find a better than you, Jacob.” “Would you work with me, too, at the same place?” “You know I am not afraid of work,” she answered, “and I could never want any other lot than yours.” Then he told her the story which his father had prompted. Her face grew bright and happy as she listened, and he saw how from her very heart she accepted the humble fortune. Only the thought of her parents threw a cloud over the new and astonishing vision. Jacob, however, grew bolder as he saw fulfilment of his hope so near. They took the pails and seated themselves beside neighbor cows, one raising objections or misgivings which the other manfully combated. Jacob's earnestness unconsciously ran into his hands, as he discovered when the impatient cow began to snort and kick. The harvesting of the oats was not commenced that morning. The children were sent away, and there was a council of four persons held in the parlor. The result of mutual protestations and much weeping was, that the farmer and his wife agreed to receive Jacob as a son-in-law; the offer of the wages was four times refused by them, and then accepted; and the chance of their being able to live and labor together was finally decided to be too fortunate to let slip. When the shock and surprise was over all gradually became cheerful, and, as the matter was more calmly discussed, the first conjectured difficulties somehow resolved themselves into trifles. It was the simplest and quietest wedding,--at home, on an August morning. Farmer Meadows then drove the bridal pair half-way on their journey, to the old country tavern, where a fresh conveyance had been engaged for them. The same evening they reached the farm-house in the valley, and Jacob's happy mood gave place to an anxious uncertainty as he remembered the period of deception upon which Susan was entering. He keenly watched his father's face when they arrived, and was a little relieved when he saw that his wife had made a good first impression. “So, this is my new housekeeper,” said the old man. “I hope you will suit me as well as your husband does.” “I'll do my best, sir,” said she; “but you must have patience with me for a few days, until I know your ways and wishes.” “Mr. Flint,” said Sally, “shall I get supper ready?” Susan looked up in astonishment at hearing the name. “Yes,” the old man remarked, “we both have the same name. The fact is, Jacob and I are a sort of relations.”