“You, the deuce you have. Why where did your mother raise the money to send you to college?”
“My education was provided for by my grandfather’s will.”
“It was, eh! well, I am glad of it, and so the Richards family were a good stock after all. I am sure I never dreamed you had been to college, though I thought from the first you knew considerable for your years.”
“Thank you, Uncle Andrew.”
“And what are you going to do now?”
“My dear uncle, I shall soon receive my diploma for the practice of medicine; then, if you will give me dear Lucy for a wife, I will buy that pretty cottage at the foot of the hill, and commence business.”
“You buy it! No, no, I am able to buy it myself, and give it to Lucy on her wedding-day. I am sorry you don’t like the farm better, for I had set my heart upon seeing you settled upon the old family estate, but no matter. Come here Lu, will you marry your Cousin Reuben? Ah, I see you will; here take her nephew she is yours—God bless you!”
Lucy burst into tears, and for a moment her lover also appeared much agitated. He then took Mr. Leyton’s hand:
“Then you really like me, uncle?”
“First rate, lad.”