Boys, if either of you comes to love a woman
truly, and she to love you, and there is no reason why God (I don't
say man) should put you asunder, do as I ought to have done, not as
I did! And, maybe, this advice is the best legacy I can leave
you."
"But, father," said David, speaking for both, "we have never
thought of marrying."
"Likely enough," their father answered; "we hardly ever think of
what surely comes. But to me, looking back, it's plain. And this
is the reason why I want you to make me a promise, and as solemn as
if I was on my death-bed. Maybe I shall be, soon."
Tears gathered in the eyes of the twins. "What is it, father?"
they both said.
"Nothing at all to any other two boys, but I don't know how
YOU'll take it. What if I was to ask you to live apart for a
while?"
"Oh father!" both cried. They leaned together, cheek pressing
cheek, and hand clasping hand, growing white and trembling. John
Vincent, gazing into the fire, did not see their faces, or his
purpose might have been shaken.
"I don't say NOW," he went on.
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