"I'm young in heart and old in experience," vowed Jeremy. "I've got to a pitch when I know very well what I can't do, and am set on finding something I can."
"I was talking to Adam Winter about you but yesterday," continued Margery. "He's a man in a small way, but sensible and——"
Jacob interrupted her.
"Sensible no doubt. All your friends are sensible I'm sure; but your brother's come to hear me I believe."
Margery did not answer. Indeed she did not speak again; but she smiled to herself and Jacob also smiled. It was an unreal smile on both faces.
"I'm not going to do anything on the land," explained Jeremy. "I proved pretty clearly five years ago that I wasn't cut out for the land."
Jacob chaffed him again.
"Lord knows what you are cut out for—excepting a failure," he said.
"Granted," answered Jeremy; "but that was when I went into life single-handed. Lots of chaps are failures before they are married; then, afterwards, they shine out and surprise everybody."
"I've had you in mind. Old Miss Marydrew is going home pretty fast and she'll leave a gap. I don't say you can fill it, and single-handed you certainly could not; but along with Jane you might."