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 at Adelia 's door he discovered that his face was wet with perspiration . Adelia opened the door and started when she saw him ; then she turned very red and stiffly asked him in . Young Thomas went in and sat down , wondering if all men felt so horribly uncomfortable when they went courting . Adelia stooped low over the woodbox to put a stick of wood in the stove , for the May evening was chilly . Her shoulders were shaking ; the shaking grew worse ; suddenly Adelia laughed hysterically and , sitting down on the woodbox , continued to laugh . Young Thomas eyed her with a friendly grin . `` Oh , do excuse me , '' gasped poor Adelia , wiping tears from her eyes . `` 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 XXXXX the verge of insanity with it , '' she said .
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