This was a blow, but Lavendar made no sign. “You may not always be in America,” he said. “Now why not let Mrs. de Tracy sell the land and cottage and plum tree in the ordinary course of things? Oh, how I wish I could buy the blessed thing!” he exclaimed, parenthetically.
“Oh! how I wish I could buy the plum tree, and keep it, always blossoming, in my morning-room!” sighed Robinette.
“But unfortunately, Waller R. A. will buy the plum tree, confound him! Now, just after Mrs. de Tracy has definitely sold the premises and all their appurtenances, suppose you, in your prettiest and most docile way (docility not being your strong point!) ask 259 your aunt if she has any objection to your taking care of Mrs. Prettyman during the few years remaining to her. Meantime keep her from irritating Mrs. de Tracy, and make the poor old dear happy with plans for her future. If you are short on docility you are long on making people happy!”
“Never did I hear such an argument! It would make Macduff fall into the arms of Macbeth; it would tranquillize the Kilkenny cats themselves! I’ll run in and apologize abjectly to my thrice guilty aunt, then I’ll reward myself by going over to Wittisham.”
“If you’ll take the ferry over, I’d like to come and fetch you if I may. That shall be my reward.”
“Reward for what?”
“For giving you advice very much against my personal inclinations. Courses of action founded entirely on policy do not appeal to me very strongly.”