and she had received a wholesome lesson
"Yes, and I plead with you to forgive him. Grant me my wish, James; I shall be so much happier, and so will you."
"Well, Mrs. Weeks, now you know what kind of a woman your son came to insult. You may tell your neighbors that there’s one Christian in Oakville. I yield to Mrs. Holcroft, and will take no further action in the affair if we are let alone."
Mrs. Weeks was not a bad woman at heart, and she had received a wholesome lesson. She came and took Alida’s hand as she said, "Yes, you are a Christian–a better woman than I’ve been, but I aint so mean and bad but what, when I see my fault, I am sorry and can ask forgiveness. I do ask your forgiveness, Mr. Holcroft. I’ve been ashamed of myself ever since you brought my cousin back. I thought she would try, when she had the chance you gave her, but she seems to have no sense."
"There, there! Let bygones be bygones," said the farmer in embarrassment. "I’ve surrendered. Please don’t say anything more."
"You’ve got a kind heart, in spite–"
"Oh, come now! Please quit, or I’ll begin to swear a little to keep up the reputation my neighbors have given me. Go home and tell Tim to brace up and try to be a man. When I say I’m done with a grudge, I AM done. You and Mrs. Holcroft can talk all you like, but please excuse me," and with more than most men’s horror of a scene, he escaped precipitately.
"Sit down, Mrs. Weeks," said Alida kindly.
"Well, I will. I can’t say much to excuse myself or my folks–"
"You’ve already said everything, Mrs. Weeks," interrupted Alida gently; "you’ve said you are sorry."
Mrs. Weeks stared a moment, and then resumed sententiously, "Well, I’ve heard more gospel in that remark than if I’d gone to church. And I couldn’t go to church, I could never have gone there again or held my head up anywhere if–if–"
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