It was the best way for her , all things considered . And we do n't want her made unhappy , Master . '' `` But I love your niece and I want to marry her if I can win her love , '' said Eric steadily . He surprised them out of their self possession at last . Both started , and looked at him as if they could not believe the evidence of their ears . `` 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 ?
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