And there's mysteries hid
in him. And he's one too many for me, or any other decent and orderly
spirit. Of course, if I've got to choose between having my darter on my
hands for ever and another wife, only a lunatic would hesitate, and since
it had to be, I'd a lot rather it was you than any other I can call to
mind. And truth's truth, and I hope you'll allow for the queerness, and
take a man who's very addicted to you and can be trusted to serve you as
you deserve."
With that I told him he must court me without any regard to Rupert, and
explained the whole plot was Rupert's, and not mine.
"There's something devious about it," I said, "or it wouldn't be Rupert.
You exercise your manhood, Arthur," I said, "and make up your own mind,
and don't let my son make it up for you. 'Tis past bearing," I said, "and
I won't stand for it. Who be he to drive us?"
"You swear afore your God it wasn't your own idea," ordered Arthur, and he
cheered up when I put my hand on the Book in my parlour and swore most
solemn I'd never thought of no such thing.
"In that case," he said, "I feel a good bit hopefuller, and when you ax if
Rupert looked ahead with his eye to the main chance, of course he did. If
you come to me, mine's yours when I go to ground, or else Minnie's, so
Rupert knows the future's safe either way."
"There's my son John," I said, "but this I tell you, Arthur, I'll come to
you on one condition only, that you leave all to Minnie after I'm gone.
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