He was obviously moved, but one could not tell how far his emotions went, and she knew he did not want to listen.

She understood her husband and knew he sometimes deceived himself.
"No!" He resumed; "it's too big a sacrifice! You like people about you and would see nobody but me and the hired man, while I admit I'm enough to jar a woman's nerves.

Then think of the work; the manual work.

You couldn't live as the bachelors live among dust and dirt, and it's a big undertaking to keep a homestead clean when you can't get proper help.
Besides, there's the baking, cooking, and washing, while you have done nothing but superintend.

I'd hate to see you worn and tired, and you know you're not so patient then.