"Humph!" said the squire, shrugging his shoulders; "you look upon the
matter from a sentimental point of view. That is unwise. It is
simply a matter of business. You speak of the house as yours. In
reality, it is more mine than yours, for I have a major interest in
it. Think over my proposal coolly, and you will see that you are
unreasonable. Mr. Kirk may be induced to give you a little more--say
three hundred and fifty dollars--over and above the mortgage, which,
as I said before, he is willing assume."

"How does it happen that you are willing to let the mortgage remain,
if he buys, when you want the money for other purposes?" asked the
widow keenly.

"He is a near relative of my wife, and that makes the difference, I
apprehend."

"Well, madam, what do you say?" asked Kirk briskly.

"I say this, that I will keep the house if I can."

"You needn't expect that I will relent," said the squire hastily.

"I do not, for I see there is no consideration in your heart for a
poor widow; but I cannot help thinking that Providence will raise up
some kind friend who will buy the mortgage, or in some other way will
enable me to save my home."

You are acting very foolishly, Mrs. Barclay, as you will realize in
time. I give you a week in which to change your mind. Till then my
friend Kirk's offer stands good. After that I cannot promise. If the