"
"I do not speak in anger, for 'twould be both unreasonable and unmanly to
deny all of thy sex right of choice; but yet it doth seem right, that,
when taste is suited and judgment appeased, there should be little motive
for withholding speech."
"And wouldst thou have a maiden, of my years, in haste to believe that she
was sought, when haply it may be, that he of whom you speak is in quest of
thy society and friendship, rather than of my favor?"
"Then might he spare much labor and some bodily suffering, unless he finds
great pleasure in the saddle; for I know not a youth in the Connecticut
Colony, for whom I have smaller esteem. Others may see matter of approval
in him, but, to me, he is of bold speech, ungainly air, and great
disagreeableness of discourse."
"I am happy that at last we find ourselves of one mind; for that, thou
say'st of the youth, is much as I have long considered him."
"Thou! Thou thinkest of the gallant thus! Then why dost listen to his
suit? I had believed thee a girl too honest, Martha, to affect such
niceties of deception.
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