"Yes, my dear, I do." Mrs. Tappitt's manner became very solemn, and the girls listened with all their ears. "Yes, my dear, I do. Mr. Honyman thinks your father should give way."
"And take him in as a partner?" said Augusta. "Papa has got that spirit that he couldn't do it."
"It doesn't follow that your papa should take Mr. Rowan in as a partner because he gives up the lawsuit. He might pay him the money that he asks."
"But has he got it?" demanded Martha.
"Besides, it's such a deal; isn't it?" said Augusta.
"Or," continued Mrs. Tappitt, "your papa might accept his offer by retiring with a very handsome income for us all. Your papa has been in business for a great many years, working like a galley-slave. Nobody knows how he has toiled and moiled, except me. It isn't any joke being a brewer,—and having it all on himself as he has had. And if young Rowan ever begins it, I wish him joy of it."
"But would he pay the income?" Martha asked.
"Mr. Honyman says that he would; and if he did not, there would be the property to fall back upon."
"And where should we live?" said Cherry.
"That can't be settled quite yet. It must be somewhere near, so that your papa might keep an eye on the concern, and know that it was going all right. Perhaps Torquay would be the best place."