“So it does, mother. It seems very strange to me. But shall I reject a piece of good fortune because it seems strange?”
“I can’t look on it as good fortune to be separated from my boy.”
“Of course, mother, we shall miss each other, but a year or perhaps less, will soon pass, and we can be together once more. I will hire a boy to come and prepare the wood and do errands for you. Charlie Bates will be willing to do it, I know, and I will make it worth his while.”
“It won’t be necessary, Tom. If you go away I shall not live in this house.”
“Not live in this house!” exclaimed Tom, surprised in turn.
“No, I have other views,” said Mrs. Thatcher, in a tone which quite mystified Tom.
“While you have been away, Tom, I, too, have had a proposal made to me.”
“A proposal, mother! Surely you will not marry again?”
“You are a foolish boy,” said his mother, smiling. “The proposal is of quite a different character.”