Another man might have saved his little spec, but I couldn't; I reckon I never believed it would go to her, and I've managed Belle Plain as if I were running it for myself." He seemed to writhe as if undergoing some acute bodily pain.
"And you are in a fair way to turn it all over to her husband when she marries, and step out of here a beggar, unless--" "It isn't right, John! I haven't had pay for my ability! Why, the place would have gone down to nothing with any management but mine!" "If she were to die, you'd inherit ?" Ware laughed harshly.
"She looks like dying, doesn't she ?" "Listen to me, Tom.

I'll take her away, and Belle Plain is yours--land, stock and niggers!" said Murrell quietly.
Ware shifted and twisted in his seat.
"It can't be done.

I can advise and urge: but I can't command.

She's got her friends, those people back yonder in North Carolina, and if I made things uncomfortable for her here she'd go to them and I couldn't stop her.

You don't seem to get it through your head that she's got no earthly use for you!" Murrell favored him with a contemptuous glance.
"You're like every one else! Certain things you'll do, and certain other things you won't even try to do--your conscience or your fear gets in your way." "Call it what you like." "I offer to take the girl off your hands; when I quit the country she shall go with me--" "And I'd be left here to explain what had become of her!" cried Ware, in a panic.
"You won't have anything to explain.