My heart moves towards you, Doctor,
and you must let its impulses have way in this small matter. Do not
feel it as an obligation. That is all on our side. We cannot let Ivy
Cottage go entirely out of the family. We wish to have as much
property in it as the pilgrim has in Mecca. We must visit it
sometimes, and feel always that its chambers are the abodes of peace
and love. A kind Providence has given us of this world's goods an
abundance. We did not even have to lift our hands to the ripe
clusters. They fell into our laps. And now, if, from our plenty, we
take a small portion and discharge a debt, will you push aside the
offering, and say, No? Doctor, this must not be!"
Again I essayed objection; but all was in vain. Ivy Cottage was to
be our pleasant home. When, on returning with Constance, I related
to her what had passed between Mr. Wallingford and myself, she was
affected to tears.
"If I have ever had a covetous thought," she said, "it has been when
I looked at Ivy Cottage. And to think it is to be mine! The
sweetest, dearest spot in S----!"
There was no putting aside this good fortune.
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