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 that I will . '' `` Then I 'll marry her without your consent , '' retorted Burton angrily , losing the temper he had been trying to keep . `` Oh , will you indeed ! Well , if you do , out you go , and not a cent of my money or a rod of my land do you ever get . '' `` What have you got against Madge ? '' asked Burton , forcing himself to speak calmly , for he knew his father too well to doubt for a minute that he meant and would do just what he said . `` She 's an Oliver , '' said old John crustily , `` and that 's enough . '' And considering that he had settled the matter , John Ellis threw down his hoe and left the field in a towering rage .
Burton hoed away savagely until his anger had spent itself XXXXX the weeds .
If against from of on out that to with without