(Hiram was dissatisfied, selfish ever, he disliked exceedingly that she should think of her father at such a time.)
'I know it,' she finally said, 'and that is why I speak. Whatever may be my feelings, I shall never forget my duty to him.'
'And how will loving me interfere with it?' asked Hiram.
'Whatever may be the consequence to me, I will never leave him. And you—your plans take you elsewhere. I know it very well.'
Hiram was surprised, he could not imagine how his secret purposes could have been discovered, for he had never divulged them.
'You know it, too,' she continued, perceiving he was silent.
'That may he,' he replied; ' but that does not prevent my loving you. And who knows? Perhaps your father will not care to remain, always at Burnsville.'
'Oh, he will never leave it; that I am sure of,' said Sarah, almost sorrowfully, 'And I shall stay with him.'
'Then you do not love me,' said Hiram, in a tone not quite amiable.
'You know better,' exclaimed Sarah, her eyes flashing, and all the spirit of her father beaming forth. 'Hiram Meeker, you know better!'