"I have not the slightest idea. But there, do not be uneasy, I shall find a place."
"Then," said Samuel, gazing at him with perfect amazement in his looks, "you are determined?"
"I am determined."
"Then, as we shall never meet again, come and spend a few days at my house," urged Samuel.
"I am very sorry to decline, but I cannot go back. If I were to waste a day, it would be a serious loss of time and money. I must reach my new settlement in time for the sowing."
Samuel Dickson, putting his hands behind his back, walked across the room with great strides, backwards and forwards, watching his niece curiously under his eyes.
He several times struck the ground with his riding whip, muttering to himself all the time. Diana sat with her hands crossed on her knees, the teardrops falling from her eyes.
Suddenly the farmer appeared to have made up his mind. Turning round, he laid his heavy hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Joshua!" he said, "It is clear to me that you are mad, and that I alone in the family possess any common sense; never, God forgive you, did more crooked notion enter the head of an honest man. You won't come to my house? Very good. I will then ask you one thing, which, if you refuse, I shall never forgive you."
"You know how much I love you."