But he was quite resolved that the story should be told sooner or later,--should be told before the day fixed for the wedding.

If it was to be told by himself, what occasion could be so fitting as the present?
But, if it were to be done on this morning, it would be unwise to harass his father by any small previous contradictions.
They were now up among the scattered prostrate logs, and had again taken up the question of the business of wood-cutting.

'No, George; it would never have done for you; not as a mainstay.

I thought of giving it up to you once, but I knew that it would make a poor man of you.' 'I wish you had,' said George, who was unable to repress the feeling of his heart.
'Why do you say that?
What a fool you must be if you think it! There is nothing you may not do where you are, and you have got it all into your own hands, with little or no outlay.

The rent is nothing; and the business is there ready made for you.