`` Marry her ! Marry Kilmeny ! '' exclaimed Thomas Gordon incredulously . `` You ca n't mean it , sir . Why , she is dumb -- Kilmeny is dumb . '' `` That makes no difference in my love for her , although I deeply regret it for her own sake , '' answered Eric . `` I can only repeat what I have already said , Mr. Gordon . I want Kilmeny for my wife . '' The older man leaned forward and looked at the floor in a troubled fashion , drawing his bushy eyebrows down and tapping the calloused tips of his fingers together uneasily . He was evidently puzzled by this unexpected turn of the conversation , and in grave doubt what to say . `` What would your father say to all this , Master ? '' he queried at last . `` I have often heard my father say that a man must marry to please himself , '' said Eric , with a smile . `` If he felt tempted to go back on that opinion I think the sight of Kilmeny would convert him . But , after all , it is what I say that matters in this case , is n't it , Mr. Gordon ? I am well educated and not afraid of work . I can make a home for Kilmeny in a few years even if I have to depend entirely on my own resources . Only give me the chance to win her -- that is all I ask . '' `` I do n't think it would do , Master , '' said Thomas Gordon , shaking his head . `` Of course , I dare say you -- you '' -- he tried to say `` love , '' but Scotch reserve balked stubbornly at the terrible word -- `` you think you like Kilmeny now , but you are only a lad -- and lads ' fancies change . ''
`` Mine will not , '' Eric broke XXXXX vehemently .
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