“I have taken it on trial for a year, with the privilege of purchasing it, if I like it, at the end of that time.”
“But why does the owner wish to sell such a pretty place, which he has only just built?”
“Ah, love, it is a common case. The place was commenced by a poor old fellow, who was about to retire from business on a comfortable competency. But he put off living too long, for just as he was preparing to do it he died.”
“Poor man! and he never enjoyed the pretty place.”
“Let us hope that he enjoys a better one. Meanwhile we have the privilege of purchasing it, if we like.”
“Oh, I do like it so much!”
“Then consider it purchased, my pet.”
“Not on my account. Oh, Alexander, dear, please do always what you judge to be best without thinking of me in the matter.”
“But, darling, if I love you as you wish me to do, and as I certainly do, I must think of your pleasure in everything.”
She looked at him, secretly acknowledging the truth of his words, yet much perplexed by them.