But no--upon the whole I will not propose it now.' 'Ah! I would guarantee expenses, and you won't let me! The money is my personal possession: it comes to me from my late grandfather, and not from my father at all.' He laughed forcedly and pressed her hand.

'There are more reasons why I cannot tear myself away,' he added.

'What would become of my uncle's farming?
Six hundred acres in this parish, and five hundred in the next--a constant traipsing from one farm to the other; he can't be in two places at once.

Still, that might be got over if it were not for the other matters.

Besides, dear, I still should be a little uneasy, even though I have your promise, lest somebody should snap you up away from me.' 'Ah, you should have thought of that before.