Kilmeny of the Orchard

then those girls were as pretty as pinks, now weren’t they? Agnes was the finest- looking of the lot in my opinion. I hope it’s true that you’re courting her, Eric? ”

“ Confound it, father,” said Eric, half irritably, half laughingly, “ have you and David Baker entered into a conspiracy to hound me into matrimony whether I will or no? ”

“ I’ve never said a word to David Baker on such a subject,” protested Mr. Marshall.

“ Well, you are just as bad as he is. He hectored me all the way home from the college on the subject. But why are you in such a hurry to have me married, dad? ”

“ Because I want a homemaker in this house as soon as may be. There has never been one since your mother died. I am tired of housekeepers. And I want to see your children at my knees before I die, Eric, and I’m an old man now.”

“Well, your wish is natural, father,”

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