A PROPOSAL
Sam did not wait for an invitation. Flinging the reins over the gate post, he marched boldly up the garden path, and greeted Ruth at the door. She received him courteously, as was her nature, but a more sensitive man might have felt that there was not much warmth in her welcome.
"I was riding this way, and so I thought I would call," he explained. "I hope I don't intrude?"
"Oh no, not at all. Will you come inside?"
"Thank you, I shall be pleased to rest a few minutes, and so will Nero. Is your brother at home?"
"No, he has just gone down to Perranpool."
"Mr. Telfer has nearly finished his contract, I hear."
"So I am told."
"And the company have a mountain of concrete on their hands."
"Ralph says they are charging so enormously for it. Besides, they have not sought out new markets."