"He would send me to their lawyer, I suppose. But I can go to him first, if you wish."
"Yes, I do wish it," said the girl. "I don't understand about the company, and I don't care for it. I want to offer the property to Mr. Hilary. Don't say anything but just that I wished to give it up, and my sister consented. Don't say a single word more, no matter what he asks you. Will you?"
"I will do exactly what you say," answered Putney. "But you understand, I suppose, don't you, that in order to make the division, the whole place must be sold?"
Suzette looked at him in surprise. Adeline wailed out, "The whole place sold?"
"Yes; how else could you arrive at the exact value?"
"I will keep the house and the grounds, and Suzette may have the farm."
Putney shook his head. "I don't believe it could be done. Perhaps—"
"Well, then," said Adeline, "I will never let the place be sold in the world. I—" She caught Suzette's eye and faltered, and then went on piteously, "I didn't know what we should have to do when I promised. But I'll keep my promise; yes, I will. We needn't sign the papers to-night, need we, Mr. Putney? It'll do in the morning?"
"Oh, yes; just as well," said Putney. "It'll take a little time to draw up the writings."
"But you can send word to Mr. Hilary at once?" Suzette asked.