Willcoxen.
"Have you dined, Cloudy?"
"Yes, no--I ate some bread and cheese at the village; don't fuss; I'd
rather wait till supper-time."
The door opened, and Mr. Willcoxen entered.
Whatever secret anxiety might have weighed upon the minister's heart, no
sign of it was suffered to appear upon his countenance, as, smiling
cordially, he came in holding out his hand to welcome his cousin and
early playmate, expressing equal surprise and pleasure at seeing him.
Cloudy had to go over the ground of explanation of his sudden arrival,
and by the time he had finished, old Jenny came in, laughing and
wriggling with joy to see him. But Jenny did not remain long in the
parlor; she hurried out into the kitchen to express her feelings
professionally by preparing a welcome feast.
"And you are not married yet, Thurston, as great a favorite as you are
with the ladies! How is that? Every time I come home I expect to be
presented to a Mrs. Willcoxen, and never am gratified; why is that?"
"Perhaps I believe in the celibacy of the clergy."
"Perhaps you have never recovered the disappointment of losing Miss Le
Roy?"
"Ah! Cloudy, people who live in glass houses should not throw stones; I
suspect you judge me by yourself.
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