"Don't be absurd, Peter. I don't say that, in some cases, there is not a good deal to be said against it; but where both the man and the woman are healthy, and come of healthy families, no union can be more likely to be happy."
"But I think I have heard you speak--"
"Never mind what you have heard me speak, sir; circumstances alter cases, and this case is altogether an exceptional one.
"We certainly could not wish for a finer young fellow as Mary's husband. He is a desirable partner, in every respect. He is himself well off and, although I quite agree with you that, whatever it costs, we must give the dear old place up, I grant that it would be very pleasant to avoid so terrible a wrench.
"The one thing I don't like is that man of his. He moves about so noiselessly that it is like having a ghost in the room."
"It is you who are absurd, now, Louisa," the squire said. "The man has, over and over again, proved himself to be a most faithful friend to him. I own that it is a little trying to see him standing behind Harry's chair, without moving, except when his master wants something; but after all, that is less fidgety than having footmen dodging about you.
"Well, Louisa, I will take particular heed of what you have said, and will be mum as a mouse, until we see how the cat jumps."
Mrs. Lindsay's prevision turned out correct. Harry remained a week longer at Parley House. Then he heard that an estate was for sale, two miles away, and drove over quietly to inspect it. Ten days later he wrote from London, and said that he had bought the place.
"He is the most obstinate fellow that I ever knew!" Mr. Lindsay exclaimed, as he read the letter.
"What is it, dear?"