My son shall marry whatever girl he pleases , and I 'll back him up in it -- do you hear that ? Come here and tell me my son is n't good enough for your niece indeed ! I 'll show you he can get her anyway . '' `` You 've heard what I 've said , '' was the answer , `` and you 'd better go by it , that 's all . I sha n't stay to bandy words with you , John Ellis . I 'm going home to talk to my niece and tell her her duty plain , and what I want her to do , and she 'll do it , I have n't a fear . '' Miss Susan was halfway down the steps , but John Ellis ran to the railing of the verandah to get the last word . `` I 'll send Burton down this evening to talk to her and tell her what he wants her to do , and we 'll see whether she 'll sooner listen to you than to him , '' he shouted . Miss Susan deigned no reply . Old John strode out to the turnip field . Burton saw him coming and looked for another outburst of wrath , but his father 's first words almost took away his breath . `` See here , Burt , I take back all I said this afternoon . I want you to marry Madge Oliver now , and the sooner , the better . That old cat of a Susan had the face to come up and tell me you were n't good enough for her niece . I told her a few plain truths . Do n't you mind the old crosspatch . I 'll back you up . '' By this time Burton had begun hoeing vigorously , to hide the amused twinkle of comprehension in his eyes . He admired Miss Susan 's tactics , but he did not say so . `` All right , Father , '' he answered dutifully .
When Miss Susan reached home she told Madge XXXXX bathe her eyes and put on her new pink muslin , because she guessed Burton would be down that evening .
Burt By John down first for in of that to