He was, in general, a good-natured man, but he had a high opinion of himself as a farm manager, and on this point his feelings were very sensitive.

As was usual with him when he lost his temper, he got up without a word and went out.
"Bedad!" said Molly, looking about her, "I wouldn't have sid that to him if I'd seed there wasn't no kindlin' sphlit." As Mike walked toward his own house, he was surprised to see, entering a little-used gateway near the barn, a horse and carriage.

It was now so dark he could not see who occupied it, and he stood wondering why it should enter that gateway, instead of coming by the main entrance.

As he stood there, the equipage came slowly on, and presently stopped in front of his little house.

By the time he reached it, Phoebe, his wife, had alighted, and was waiting for him.
"Reckon you is surprised to see me," said she, and then turning to the negro man who drove the shabby hired vehicle, she told him that he might go over to the barn and tie his horse, for she would not be ready to go back for some time.