Mrs. Smith smiled, for she knew Miss Sally was asking the question merely that she might have her own belief made sure by the words of another. “Because he's in love, of course,” said Mrs. Smith. “Because he is desperately in love. It is a romance, my dear.” Miss Sally looked doubtfully toward Susan, who was curled up on the old sofa in the corner of the room. She was not sure that such matters should be discussed before one so young, but Susan would have refused to leave the room, even if asked, and she resented the questioning glance that Miss Sally had thrown at Mrs. Smith. “'Courtship--How to Make Love--How to Win the Affections--How To Hold Them When Won,'” she said gaily. “'First, get acquainted; second, make small presents, such as flowers, books or candy; third, ask for the lady's hand.' You needn't look at me that way, Miss Sally; I know all about it. I read it in Jarby's Encyclopedia.” “Lands sakes!” exclaimed Miss Sally. “And me and him only got well acquainted last night at the festival. I never heard of such a thing!” “It's love at first sight,” teased Mrs. Smith. “He will probably be around this afternoon to propose, and we can have the wedding this evening.” “Well, he needn't come this afternoon, if he's got it in his mind to come,” said Miss Sally shortly, “for I won't be at home. I ain't goin' to be rushed that way, not by no man. I don't say but Mr. Hewlitt is a clever spoken man, Mrs. Smith, when he ain't talkin' books, but I ain't in the habit of bein' courted like I was a Seidlitz powder, and had to be drunk down before I stopped fizzin'. That may be some folks way of doin' it, but it ain't mine.” “Nor Colonel Guthrie's,” suggested Mrs. Smith. “If the Colonel's slow it ain't his fault,” said Miss Sally. “He'd be quick enough if I'd let him, but I can't see no hurry, one way or another. I don't say but that a husband is a good thing to have, mind you! I guess I'm like all other women and want to have one some time, but so long as I've got pa I'm in no hurry. He's as much trouble as a husband would be, and as grumpy when things don't go to suit him. Sometimes I feel like in the end I'd choose to marry the Colonel, since it wouldn't be so much of a change, the Colonel bein' like pa in some ways, such as bein' economical; and then again I feel like I'd prefer Skinner, just because he'd BE a change. I'd be always sure of gettin' good meat, for one thing, and I'd insist upon it. I can't a-bare tough meat.” “Shoemakers' children go without shoes,” suggested Mrs. Smith.