“I must first see them,” returned his wife. “But I have had my plans, too; it is time I should begin to divulge them.”
“You! It is something for the comfort of my old friend, Natty, I know.”
“Certainly of Natty; but we have other friends besides the Leather-Stocking to serve. Do you forget Louisa and her father?”
“No, surely; have I not given one of the best farms in the county to the good divine? As for Louisa, I should wish you to keep her always near us.”
“You do!” said Elizabeth, slightly compressing her lips; “but poor Louisa may have other views for herself; she may wish to follow my example, and marry.”
“I don't think it,” said Effingham, musing a moment, “really don't know any one hereabouts good enough for her.”
“Perhaps not her; but there are other places besides Templeton, and other churches besides 'New St. Paul's.'”
“Churches, Elizabeth! you would not wish to lose Mr. Grant, surely! Though simple, he is an excellent man I shall never find another who has half the veneration for my orthodoxy. You would humble me from a saint to a very common sinner.”
“It must be done, sir,” returned the lady, with a half-concealed smile, “though it degrades you from an angel to a man.”
“But you forget the farm?”