"I would just as soon not tell it--rather not. There is no reason
either why I should, as you probably will never have much to do with
me."

"Still, I should like to know."

"You can inquire at my aunt's--she will tell you."

"My name is Gabriel Oak."

"And mine isn't. You seem fond of yours in speaking it so
decisively, Gabriel Oak."

"You see, it is the only one I shall ever have, and I must make the
most of it."

"I always think mine sounds odd and disagreeable."

"I should think you might soon get a new one."

"Mercy!--how many opinions you keep about you concerning other
people, Gabriel Oak."

"Well, Miss--excuse the words--I thought you would like them. But I
can't match you, I know, in mapping out my mind upon my tongue. I
never was very clever in my inside. But I thank you. Come, give me
your hand."

She hesitated, somewhat disconcerted at Oak's old-fashioned earnest