"I mean that you would probably be required to spend much, or all, of
the next two or three years in New York."

"Would, hey? I didn't know but bein' as a guardian has entire charge of
the children and their money and all--I understand that's what he does
have--he could direct the children fetched down to where HE lived, if he
wanted to. Am I wrong?"

"No," the lawyer's hesitancy and annoyance was plainly evident. "No-o.
Of course, that MIGHT be done. Still, I--"

"You think that wouldn't cause no more rejoicin' than some other things
have? Yes, yes; I cal'late I understand, Mr. Graves. Well, I guess
you'll have to give me to-night to chew over this. I guess you will.
It's come on me so sudden, 'Bije's death and all, that I want to be
by myself and think. I don't want to seem unsociable or lackin' in
hospitality. The whole house is yours. Help yourself to it. But when I'm
caught in a clove hitch, I just have to set down and think myself out
of it. I HAVE to. I was built and launched that way, I guess, and maybe
you'll excuse me."

"Certainly, Captain Warren. You're quite right in wishing to deliberate
on so important a matter. And, if you will excuse me in return, I
believe I will go to my room. I've had a rather wearing day."

"And a damp evenin'. Yes, I'll excuse and sympathize with you, too. I'll
see you to your room, and I'll hope you'll have consider'ble more sleep
than I'm likely to get. Abbie!... Abbie!... Fetch Mr. Graves's lamp,
won't you, please?"