Mr. Draper certainly did not look delighted at this unexpected statement, and began to tremble for his rail-road; but he remained silent.
“You have undoubtedly greatly increased the actual value of Clyde Farm, by mills and manufactories?”
“Certainly I have; but all is in a manner useless without the rail-road as a means of transportation: that will put every thing into complete operation, and make the revenue princely.”
“Then,” said Frances, “I can have no hesitation in making my offer. I will sell this place to you for what you gave for it. Secure the sum to me outright, and I renounce my title to Clyde Farm. Make it, if you please,
wholly a manufacturing place; do not consult me whether there shall be rail-roads or mills.”
“Upon my word,” said Mr. Draper, “with an estate like mine, I should be mortified to make such a paltry purchase of my wife. It is for you and our only child that I am accumulating a fortune. Have you ever found me sordid or tenacious of money, that you wish a certain sum secured to you?”
“Never,” said she with emotion; “all that money can purchase, you have been most liberal in procuring me. Would that you were as generous to yourself!”
“We all have our own ideas of happiness,” said Mr. Draper; “but since it is your wish, Frances, I will close with your proposal, and secure to you twenty thousand dollars, which is a little more than I paid for Clyde Farm. Legal instruments shall be immediately drawn up; and to convince you that I wish for no control over that sum, I will have it put in trust.”
“Let the instrument be so worded,” said