Let's see that book. I want to find out how
much I've be'n cheated."
With trembling fingers Captain Enoch turned to the chapter of
proposals. "'How to Propose to a Fat Lady,'" he read. "Humph!
M'lissy ain't fat. 'How to Propose to a Lady of Dignity and
Refinement. 'That sounds more like it. But the big words are thicker
than a school of mummychogs."
"Read it out loud," urged Abner.
Captain Enoch put a long forefinger on the first line and cleared
his throat.
"'Dear and esteemed lady,'" he began, "'it is with deep respect that
I venture to introduce the subject of matrimony in your presence.
You are my ideal of womanhood and your smile is more precious to me
than the Kohinoor.' What's the Kohinoor?" he asked, pausing.
"Skip it," suggested Abner. "I ain't no 'cyclopedia. Go on."
"'It is with painful trep-trep-trepidation that I bring my suit
before you.'"
Captain Enoch paused again. "'Suit?'" he repeated. "I don't see how
that fits in. What's a suit got to do with a proposal?"
"Mebbe it's a hint that you might want your clo's mended after you
was married," decided Abner.
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