FREE BOOKS

Author's List




PREV.   NEXT  
|<   145   146   147   148   149   150   151   152   153   154   155   156   157   158   159   160   161   162   163   164   165   166   167   168   169  
170   171   172   173   174   175   176   177   178   179   180   181   182   183   184   185   186   187   188   189   190   191   192   193   194   >>   >|  
at the first ball, which should be given after their arrival, at which they all laughed heartily. In short, it appeared that nothing could equal the kindness and hospitality which had been shown to him, and that there was no doubt, if they chose to go there, that it would be equally extended to the other members of the family. There was a pause in the conversation, when Malachi addressed Mr. Campbell. "Martin wishes me to speak to you, sir," said Malachi. "Martin," said Mr. Campbell, looking round for him, and perceiving that he was not in the room; "why, yes, I perceive he is gone out. What can it be that he can not say for himself?" "That's just what I said to him," replied Malachi; "but he thought it were better to come through me; the fact is, sir, that he has taken a liking to the Strawberry, and wishes to make her his wife." "Indeed!" "Yes, sir; I don't think that he would have said any thing about it as yet, but you see, there are so many soldiers here, and two or three of them are of Martin's mind, and that makes him feel uncomfortable till the thing is settled; and as he can't well marry while in your service without your leave, he has asked me to speak about it." "Well, but the Strawberry is your property, not mine. Malachi." "Yes, sir, according to Indian fashion, I am her father; but I've no objection, and shan't demand any presents for her." "Presents for her! why we in general give presents or money with a wife," said Emma. "Yes, I know you do, but English wives ain't Indian wives; an English wife requires people to work for her and costs money to keep, but an Indian wife works for herself and her husband, so she is of value and is generally bought of the father; I reckon in the end that it's cheaper to pay for an Indian wife than to receive money with an English one; but that's as may be." "That's not a very polite speech of yours, Malachi," said Mrs. Campbell. "Perhaps it ain't, ma'am, but it's near the mark, nevertheless. Now I am willing that Martin should have the Strawberry, because I know that he is a smart hunter, and will keep her well; and somehow or another, I feel that if he made her his wife, I should be more comfortable; I shall live with them here close by, and Martin will serve you, and when he has a wife he will not feel inclined to change service and go into the woods." "I think it is an excellent proposal, Malachi, and am much pleased with it, as we now shal
PREV.   NEXT  
|<   145   146   147   148   149   150   151   152   153   154   155   156   157   158   159   160   161   162   163   164   165   166   167   168   169  
170   171   172   173   174   175   176   177   178   179   180   181   182   183   184   185   186   187   188   189   190   191   192   193   194   >>   >|  



Top keywords:

Malachi

 

Martin

 

Indian

 

Campbell

 

Strawberry

 

English

 

presents

 

service

 
father
 

wishes


husband

 

generally

 
bought
 
receive
 

cheaper

 

reckon

 

people

 

general

 

heartily

 

laughed


arrival
 

requires

 

Presents

 
comfortable
 

hunter

 

change

 

inclined

 

proposal

 

demand

 

speech


polite

 

excellent

 

pleased

 
Perhaps
 

liking

 
family
 

equally

 
extended
 
Indeed
 

members


perceive
 

replied

 
conversation
 

thought

 

addressed

 

property

 

objection

 

perceiving

 
fashion
 

appeared