You
understand, so far? Very well! Years ago I shifted my share of the rank
(whatever it may be) on to my brother's shoulders. He is a thorough good
fellow, and he has carried my dignity for me, without once dropping it,
ever since. As for what people may say, they have said it already, from
my father and mother downward, in the time when I took to the horses and
the farm. If they're the wise people I take them for, they won't be at
the trouble of saying it all over again. No, no. Twist it how you may,
Miss Isabel, whether I'm single or whether I'm married, I'm plain Alfred
Hardyman; and everybody who knows me knows that I go on my way,
and please myself. If you don't like me, it will be the bitterest
disappointment I ever had in my life; but say so honestly, all the
same."
Where is the woman in Isabel's place whose capacity for resistance would
not have yielded a little to such an appeal as this?
"I should be an insensible wretch," she replied warmly, "if I didn't feel
the honor you have done me, and feel it gratefully."
"Does that mean you will have me for a husband?" asked downright
Hardyman.
She was fairly driven into a corner; but (being a woman) she tried to
slip through his fingers at the last moment.
"Will you forgive me," she said, "if I ask you for a little more time? I
am so bewildered, I hardly know what to say or do for the best. You see,
Mr. Hardyman, it would be a dreadful thing for me to be the cause of
giving offense to your family.
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