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I shouldnt mind it, father, said Eppie, quite simply. And I should like things to be so as you neednt work much. But if it wasnt for that, Id sooner things didnt change; Im very happy. I like Aaron to be fond of me, and come and see us often, and behave pretty to you. He always does behave pretty to you, doesnt he, father? Yes, child; nobody could behave better, said Silas emphatically. Hes his mothers lad. But I dont want any change, said Eppie. I should like to go on a long, long while just as we are. Only Aaron does want a change; and he made me cry a bitonly a bitbecause he said I didnt care for him, for if I cared for him I should want us to be married, as he did. Eh, my blessed child, said Silas, laying down his pipe as if it were useless to pretend to smoke any longer, youre oer young to be married. Well ask Mrs. Winthropwell ask Aarons mother what she thinks; if theres a right thing to do shell come at it. But theres this to be thought on, Eppie: things will change, whether we like it or no; things wont go on for a long while just as they are and no difference. I shall get older and helplesser, and be a burden on you, belike, if I dont go away from you altogether. Not as I mean youd think me a burdenI know you wouldntbut it ud be hard upon you; and when I look forard to that, I like to think as youd have somebody else besides mesomebody young and strong, as ll outlast your own life and take care on you to the end. Silas paused, and resting his wrists on his knees, lifted his hands up and down meditatively as he looked on the ground. Then would you like me to be married, father? said Eppie, with a little trembling in her voice. Ill not be the man to say no, Eppie, said Silas emphatically; but well ask your godmother. Shell wish the right thing by you and her son too. There they come, then, said Eppie; let us go and meet em. Oh, the pipe! wont you have it lit again, father? said Eppie, lifting that medicinal appliance from the ground. Nay, child, said Silas; Ive done enough for to-day. I think mayhap a little of it does me more good than so much at once. |
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