"This maple is witness
to what you've said," she faltered. "Ah! but it will be a sugar-
maple in truth; and if petting will make it live--there, now!
behave! The idea! right out on this bare lawn! You must wait till
the screening evergreens grow before--Oh, you audacious--I haven't
promised anything."
"I promise everything. I'm engaged, and only taking my retaining-
fees."
"Mother," cried Farmer Banning at the dining-room window, "just
look yonder!"
"And do you mean to say, John Banning, that you didn't expect it?"
"Why, Sue was growing more and more offish."
"Of course! Don't you remember?"
"Oh, this unlucky birthday! As if trees could take Sue's place!"
"Yah!" chuckled Hiram from the barn door, "I knowed dat ar gem'lin
was a-diggin' a hole fer hisself on dis farm."
"Mr. Minturn--" Sue began as they came toward the house arm in
arm.
"Hal--" he interrupted.
"Well, then, Mr. Hal, you must promise me one thing in dead
earnest. I'm the only chick father and mother have. You must be
very considerate of them, and let me give them as much of my time
as I can.
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