`` 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 . '' Adelia laid down her knitting and blushed crimson . But she looked at Young Thomas squarely and reproachfully . `` You need n't think you are bound to say that because of the gossip , Mr. Everett , '' she said quietly . `` Oh , I do n't , '' said Young Thomas earnestly . `` But the truth is , the story set me to thinking about you , and from that I got to wishing it was true -- honest , I did -- I could n't get you out of my head , and at last I did n't want to .
It just seemed to me XXXXX you were the very woman for me if you 'd only take me .
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