`` This is -- dreadful -- I did n't mean to laugh -- I do n't know why I 'm laughing -- but -- I -- ca n't help it . '' She laughed helplessly again . Young Thomas laughed too . His embarrassment vanished in the mellowness of that laughter . Presently Adelia composed herself and removed from the woodbox to a chair , but there was still a suspicious twitching about the corners of her mouth . `` I suppose , '' said Young Thomas , determined to have it over with before the ice could form again , `` I suppose , Adelia , you 've heard the story that 's been going about you and me of late ? '' Adelia nodded . `` I 've been persecuted to the verge of insanity with it , '' she said . `` Every soul I 've seen has tormented me about it , and people have written me about it . I 've denied it till I was black in the face , but nobody believed me . I ca n't find out how it started . I hope you believe , Mr. Everett , that it could n't possibly have arisen from anything I said . I 've felt dreadfully worried for fear you might think it did . I heard that my cousin , Lucilla Barrett , said I told her , but Lucilla vowed to me that she never said such a thing or even dreamed of it . I 've felt dreadful bad over the whole affair . I even gave up the idea of making a quilt after a lovely new pattern I 've got because they made such a talk about my brown dress . '' `` I 've been kind of supposing that you must be going to marry somebody , and folks just guessed it was me , '' said Young Thomas -- he said it anxiously . `` No , I 'm not going to be married to anybody , '' said Adelia with a laugh , taking up her knitting . `` I 'm glad of that , '' said Young Thomas gravely . `` I mean , '' he hastened to add , seeing the look of astonishment on Adelia 's face , `` that I 'm glad there is n't any other man because -- because I want you myself , Adelia . ''
XXXXX laid down her knitting and blushed crimson .
Adelia Barrett Everett Lucilla Mr. Thomas chair mellowness quilt woodbox