I said pleadingly . Isaac stood and reflected for a moment or two . Then he came slowly forward and , before we realized what he was going to do , he took that ladder down and laid it on the ground . `` Isaac Appleby , what do you mean ? '' demanded Melissa wrathfully . Isaac folded his arms and looked up . It would be hard to say which face was the more determined , his or the dog 's . But Isaac had the advantage in point of looks , I will say that for him . `` I mean that you two women will stay up on that roof until one of you agrees to marry me , '' said Isaac solemnly . I gasped . `` Isaac Appleby , you ca n't be in earnest ? '' I cried incredulously . `` You could n't be so mean ? '' `` I am in earnest . I want a wife , and I am going to have one . You two will stay up there , and Julius Caesar here will watch you until one of you makes up her mind to take me . You can settle it between yourselves , and let me know when you have come to a decision . '' And with that Isaac walked jauntily into his new house . `` The man ca n't mean it ! '' said Melissa .
`` He is trying to play a joke XXXXX us . ''
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