rest I have deeded to the
two best people I know. This August Wehle married Julia Anderson when
they thought the world might be near its end, and believing that, at any
rate, she would not have a penny in the world. I have deeded the river
farm to August Wehle and his wife."

"Married, eh? Come and ask my consent afterwards? That's a fine way!"
And Abigail grew white and grew silent with passion.

"Come, August, I want to show you and Julia something," said Andrew. He
really wanted to give Abigail time to look the matter in the face
quietly before she committed herself too far. But he told the two young
people that they might make their home with him while their house was in
building. He had already had part of the material drawn, and from the
brow of the hill they looked down upon the site he had chosen near the
old tumble-down tenant's house. But Andrew saw that Julia looked
disappointed.

"You are not satisfied, my brave girl. What is the matter?"

"Oh! yes, I am very happy, and very thankful to you; and next to August
I love you more than anybody--except my parents."

"But something is different to what you wished it. Doesn't the site suit
you? You can look off on to the river from the rise on which the house
will stand, and I do not know how it could be better."

"It couldn't be better," said Julia, "but--'

"But what? You must tell me."

"I thought maybe you'd let us live at the castle and take the burden of
things off you. I should like to keep your house for you, just to show
you how much I love my dear, good uncle."

Even an anchorite could not help feeling a pleasure at such a speech
from such a young woman, and this shaggy, solitary, misanthropic but
tender-hearted man felt a sudden rush of pleasure. August saw it, and
was delighted. What one's nearest friend thinks of one's wife is a vital
question, and August was happier at this moment than he had ever been.
Andrew's pleasure at Julia's loving speech was the climax.

"Yes!" said the Philosopher, a little huskily. "You want to sacrifice
your pleasure by living in my gloomy old castle, and civilizing an old
heathen like me. You mustn't tempt me too far."

"I don't see why you call it gloomy. It wasn't only for your sake that I
said it. I think it is the nicest old house I ever saw. And then the
books, and--and--you." Julia stumbled a little, she was not accustomed
to make speeches of this sort.

"You flatterer!" burst out Andrew. "But no, you mu