see."

"The Southdown Road you mean," interrupted Mr. Brookes, "and very
properly, too."

"And father and he cannot agree upon money matters, and I don't like a
beard--"

"You never objected to a beard until Sally put you against it."

"Yes, I did, father; I always told you--"

"Never mind the beard, tell me about the money matters that your
father and Mr. Berkins can't agree upon."

"Mr. Berkins has offered to settle twelve thousand pounds upon me if
father will settle the same amount. But father won't agree to this; he
wants Mr. Berkins to settle twelve, but does not want to settle more
than seven himself upon me."

"Is this so, James?" asked Aunt Mary.

Mr. Brookes avoided answering the question, and entered into a long
and garrulous statement concerning himself and his money: he had made
it all himself! he spoke of his investments with pride, and
pathetically declared that he would not marry again because he would
not deprive his dear children of anything. Aunt Mary crossed her hands
over her shawl, and set herself to listen to the old gentleman's
rigmarole. Aunt Hester tried several times to cut him short, but this
time he would not be silenced.