I don't know as there's any particular hurry in my
case; only, we never can tell, from one day to another. When
I die, every thing will belong to you two, share and share alike,
either to buy another farm with the money out, or divide this: I
won't tie you up in any way. But two of you will need two farms
for two families; for you won't have to wait twelve years, like
your mother and me."
"We don't want another farm, father!" said David and Jonathan
together.
"I know you don't think so, now. A wife seemed far enough off from
me when I was your age. You've always been satisfied to be with
each other, but that can't last. It was partly your mother's
notion; I remember her saying that our burden had passed into you.
I never quite understood what she meant, but I suppose it must
rather be the opposite of what WE had to bear."
The twins listened with breathless attention while their father,
suddenly stirred by the past, told them the story of his long
betrothal.
"And now," he exclaimed, in conclusion, "it may be putting wild
ideas into your two heads, but I must say it! THAT was where I
did wrong--wrong to her and to me,--in waiting! I had no right to
spoil the best of our lives; I ought to have gone boldly, in broad
day, to her father's house, taken her by the hand, and led her
forth to be my wife.
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