"It seems, to be a very valuable one."
"One of the most so in the region. The old gentleman came to this country many years ago. Like Abraham, he went forth, not knowing whither he went, and like him has he been prospered. He has flocks and herds, houses and lands, and, what shall I call those?" I asked, as a drove of swine marked by him came grunting along with their snub noses in the gutter.
"Oh, that is but one species of property," he remarked, "and has its value. The good old man seems to be very worthy."
"Worthy!" I repeated to myself—what harm in that, and yet I didn't like the question, or rather the tone of the remark.
"He is one of the excellent of the earth—belonging to that species of salt which never loses its savour."
"They seem to be a very affectionate family, no wonder they feel almost idolatry for their interesting daughter. Did you know her husband?"
"Not at all," I replied, and by my silence indicated that I had no wish to continue this conversation.
The very next morning I had occasion to go into the private room or study of the old gentleman, to deposit in his hands a sum of money, the proceeds of my labour, and for which he gave me good interest and security. I found the old lady there, and as I opened the door she remarked, "Oh yes, husband, lend him freely if he needs; he is young, and a hundred dollars may aid him greatly now; I have perfect confidence in the Doctor."
I bit my lip, for I found myself inclined to smile, and did not wish to be observed. But the old gentleman remarked the expression of my face, and looking over his spectacles archly said, "Ay, ay, my little schoolma'am! and so you don't think so highly of the Doctor as the rest of us, or do you sail under false colours just now?"