“Thank you; but I think we'll keep the house for the present. If I should find we couldn't afford it, I will let you know.”
“I don't agree to keep to my offer after this week. 'Now or never' is my motto. I can draw the papers right out.”
The widow shook her head, and reiterated in gentle tones her refusal. Squire Leech was provoked, and did not hide his feeling. As he only proposed to take the house to oblige her, as he represented, Mrs. Carter was surprised at his display of feeling. She was not a shrewd woman, and it did not occur to her that he had any selfish object in view in his advice.
“I didn't succeed, Mr. Banks,” said the squire to his superintendent. “That Carter woman is dreadfully obstinate. Between ourselves, I judge it's her son that influences her.”
“I think I have seen him—a boy of fourteen or fifteen.”
“Yes, he's a very self-willed boy.”
“You said you thought you would be able to foreclose, on account of their failing to pay the interest.”
“They paid it. I was surprised at their promptness, till I learned from my son that they had received a legacy of a hundred dollars or so from a relative.”
“That won't last always.”
“No, the time will come when I can get the place on my own terms. I am determined to have it.”