You say "it's for the country" or "for the army," as you did just now.

And I scribble and collect--for art's sake--for beauty's sake--for the honour of human genius--what you like! What then could be more reasonable--more natural'-- the Squire drew himself up gravely--'than that you and I should join forces--permanently?
That I should serve your ideas--and you should serve mine ?' The Squire broke off, observing her.

Elizabeth had listened to this extraordinary speech with growing bewilderment.

She had dreaded lest the Squire--in proposing to marry her--should make love to her.

But the coolness of the bargain actually suggested to her, the apparent absence from it of any touch of sentiment, took her completely aback.