"What did you say?" said the squire, at length, as though doubting the evidence of his senses.
"My words were plainly spoken. I will free you from all your debts on condition that you bestow upon me in marriage the hand of your young ward, Gipsy Gower."
"But—Lord bless me! my dear sir, what in the world can you want with that chit of a child—that mad girl of the mountains—for a wife?" exclaimed the squire, still aghast.
"I want her, let that suffice," said the doctor, with a frown. "Do you agree to this proposal?"
"Why, I'm willing enough, but she—oh, Dr. Wiseman, the thing is hopeless—she'd never consent in this world. She can be as obstinate as a little mule when she likes. 'When a woman won't, she won't, and there's the end on't,' as Solomon says."
"You must make her."
"Me! Why, she doesn't mind me——"
"Squire Erliston," angrily broke in the doctor, "listen to me; either you lose Mount Sunset and are publicly disgraced, or you will compel this girl to marry me. Do you hear?"
"There! there! don't be hasty! I'll do what I can. It won't be my fault if she don't. But who'd ever think of you wanting to marry little Gipsy. Well, well, well, 'Wonders will never cease,' as Solomon says."
"You can explain the matter to her—urge her by her gratitude, her love for you, to consent," said the doctor; "try the sentimental dodge—commands in this case will be worse than useless. Enlist the women on your side; and above all things keep it a profound secret from Archibald Rivers and Louis Oranmore. If none of your arguments move her, I have still another in reserve that I know will clinch the business. Give her no rest, day or night, until she consents; and if she complains of cruelty, and all that, don't mind her. All girls are silly; and she, being half-crazy, as she is, it seems to me the greatest favor you can do her is to marry her to a man of sense and experience like myself. Keep in mind what you lose by her refusal, and what you gain by her consent. If she will not marry me, I will add my claims to those of your other creditors, and no earthly power will be able to save you from total ruin," said the doctor, with grim, iron determination.