`` You may put me down for the remaining eighty , then , '' said Isaac calmly . The Applebys are never mean where money is concerned , I must say . Isaac offered to drive us home when it cleared up , but I said `` No . '' I wanted to settle Melissa before she got a chance to talk . On the way home I said to her : `` I hope you wo n't mention this to anyone , Melissa . I do n't mind marrying Isaac , but I do n't want people to know how it came about . '' `` Oh , I wo n't say anything about it , '' said Melissa , laughing a little disagreeably . `` Because , '' I said , to clinch the matter , looking significantly at her front hair as I said it , `` I have something to tell , too . '' Melissa will hold her tongue . By the Rule of Contrary `` Look here , Burton , '' said old John Ellis in an ominous tone of voice , `` I want to know if what that old busybody of a Mary Keane came here today gossiping about is true . If it is -- well , I 've something to say about the matter ! Have you been courting that niece of Susan Oliver 's all summer on the sly ? '' Burton Ellis 's handsome , boyish face flushed darkly crimson to the roots of his curly black hair . Something in the father 's tone roused anger and rebellion in the son . He straightened himself up from the turnip row he was hoeing , looked his father squarely in the face , and said quietly , `` Not on the sly , sir , I never do things that way . But I have been going to see Madge Oliver for some time , and we are engaged . We are thinking of being married this fall , and we hope you will not object . '' Burton 's frankness nearly took away his father 's breath . Old John fairly choked with rage . `` You young fool , '' he spluttered , bringing down his hoe with such energy that he sliced off half a dozen of his finest young turnip plants , `` have you gone clean crazy ?
No , sir , I 'll never consent to your marrying an Oliver , and you need n't have any idea XXXXX I will . ''
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