The letter was to congratulate Young Thomas on his approaching marriage . Charles had heard of it through some Valley View correspondents of his wife . He was much pleased ; he had always liked Adelia , he said -- had been an old beau of hers , in fact . Thomas might give her a kiss for him if he liked . He forwarded a wedding present by express and hoped they would be very happy , etc. . The present was an elaborate hatrack of polished buffalo horns , mounted on red plush , with an inset mirror . Young Thomas set it up on the kitchen table and scowled moodily at his reflection in the mirror . If wedding presents were beginning to come , it was high time something was done . The matter was past being a joke . This affair of the present would certainly get out -- things always got out in Valley View , dang it all -- and he would never hear the last of it . `` I 'll marry , '' said Young Thomas decisively . `` If Adelia Williams wo n't have me , I 'll marry the first woman who will , if it 's Sarah Barnett herself . '' Young Thomas shaved and put on his Sunday suit . As soon as it was safely dark , he hied him away to Adelia Williams . He felt very doubtful about his reception , but the remembrance of the twinkle in Adelia 's brown eyes comforted him . She looked like a woman who had a sense of humour ; she might not take him , but she would not feel offended or insulted because he asked her . `` Dang it all , though , I hope she will take me , '' said Young Thomas . `` I 'm in for getting married now and no mistake . And I ca n't get Adelia out of my head . I 've been thinking of her steady ever since that confounded gossip began . ''
When he knocked XXXXX Adelia 's door he discovered that his face was wet with perspiration .
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