“No; why should I?” I exclaimed. “I will go with you to an attorney this moment, if you desire it.”
“Well, come, we shall see; get your bonnet,” said he gaily.
I tied on my bonnet, and accompanied him down the street into a little dingy office in a narrow thoroughfare.
At the door, laying his hand upon my shoulder, he said jokingly:
“Agnes, go back, I was only trying you; I wanted to see if you meant what you said.”
“Of course I meant it, and I will not go back till it is done.”
“Well, well, you must have your own way, I see!” and with a gay, exulting smile he led me into the office.
I signed the paper giving to him the house and lands, and was glad when it was done, for I felt that it might atone for any suspicion or doubt of his goodness which had crossed my mind, for he had made me very happy since our marriage.
I returned to my school and its duties. In the interval between the recitations, I had time to reflect. I had acted impulsively, and perhaps unfairly. What right had I to give away a property given to me for an especial purpose?
Had I done right? That was the question which annoyed me—the question which constantly thrust itself before me during the live-long day. My sleep that night was disturbed. The form of the elder Mr. Bristed appeared in my dreams. He seemed to reproach me by his looks, and when I endeavored to speak to him, vanished from my sight.