'You're a wonderful man, Mr Belton.'

'I wish you wouldn't call me Mr Belton. But of course you must do as
you please about that. If I can make him call me Will, I suppose you'll
call me so too.'

'Oh, yes; then I will.'

'It don't much matter what a person is called; does it! Only one likes
to be friendly with one's friends. I suppose you don't like my calling
you Clara.'

'Now you've begun you had better go on.'

'I mean to. I make it a rule never to go back in the world. Your father
is half sorry that he has agreed about the place; but I shan't let him
off now. And I'll tell you what. In spite of what he says, I'll have it
as different as possible before this time next year. 'Why, there's lots
of timber that ought to come out of the plantation; and there's places
where the roots want stubbing up horribly. These things always pay for
themselves if they are properly done. Any good done in the world always
pays.' Clara often remembered those words afterwards when she was
thinking of her cousin's character. Any good done in the world always
pays!

'But you mustn't offend my father, even though it should do good,' she
said.

'I understand,' he answered. 'I won't tread on his toes. Where do you
get your milk and butter?'