It 's there , and it 's working . But , mind you , Cornelia , I believe it 's going to get the worst of it in the long run . '' `` I am sure I hope so , '' said Miss Cornelia , none too hopefully . `` But speaking of the devil , I am positive that Billy Booth is possessed by him now . Have you heard of Billy 's latest performance ? '' `` No , what was that ? '' `` He 's gone and burned up his wife 's new , brown broadcloth suit , that she paid twenty-five dollars for in Charlottetown , because he declares the men looked too admiring at her when she wore it to church the first time . Was n't that like a man ? '' `` Mistress Booth IS mighty pretty , and brown 's her color , '' said Captain Jim reflectively . `` Is that any good reason why he should poke her new suit into the kitchen stove ? Billy Booth is a jealous fool , and he makes his wife 's life miserable . She 's cried all the week about her suit . Oh , Anne , I wish I could write like you , believe ME . Would n't I score some of the men round here ! '' `` Those Booths are all a mite queer , '' said Captain Jim . `` Billy seemed the sanest of the lot till he got married and then this queer jealous streak cropped out in him . His brother Daniel , now , was always odd . '' `` Took tantrums every few days or so and would n't get out of bed , '' said Miss Cornelia with a relish . `` His wife would have to do all the barn work till he got over his spell . When he died people wrote her letters of condolence ; if I 'd written anything it would have been one of congratulation .
Their father , old Abram XXXXX , was a disgusting old sot .
Anne Billy Booth Charlottetown Cornelia Jim broadcloth condolence days first