human
The question now is, my dearest, how soon will you marry me? I need you now. Every day, every hour, I long for you, my pet. So I shall speak to your father at once. For some time he has been rather cool with me--ever since last summer, when I argued with him about Barton Stone's views. But he's too just and reasonable to refuse me your hand, upon no other objection than that I did not side with him in a church quarrel. I will see him to-morrow, and----
gpt
No, no! Betsy interrupted,
human
But, my dear girl, why should not I tell him?
gpt
I can't make it plain to you, I'm afraid, answered Betty;
human
All the more reason, then, Abner said,
gpt
No, please let me speak to father first,
human
I fail to see why you should wish to do so, Abner said;
gpt
As I said, Betsy persisted,
human
I can't make my meaning clear to you. In truth, I can't understand myself why I wish this; but of one thing I am quite sure, both my father and mother, for some unknown cause, are greatly prejudiced against the name 'Logan.' Mother, in particular, abhors it. At some period of her life, she must have had some terrible knowledge of some one of the name--you know there are many Logans in this State and in Virginia--but whatever the reason for her extreme aversion to the name, that aversion certainly exists. Therefore, it behooves us to be very tactful in telling father and mother that you are a Logan. Just now I feel sure it would be unwise to tell them; for mother is unusually weak and nervous this fall, and father is so harassed over this church trouble that he is irritable and unreasonable, even with mother and me. We can't very well be married before spring, anyway; and long before then father'll be as cordial as ever with you; and he and mother will be fully reconciled to your new name, too. I'm your promised wife, and--and--I love you with all my heart. Isn't that happiness enough for you for awhile?
gpt
But, dearest, I think your parents should be told at once that you are my betrothed wife. I don't like any appearance of secrecy. I'm too proud of my love for that.
human
No, Betsy still urged,
gpt
I know father better than you do. Please be guided by me in this, and say nothing to him for awhile.
human
But I can not delay much longer to make public that my name is Logan, and about my newly acquired property. There's business to be transacted in regard to this Henderson County land; and your father must inevitably soon hear of my name, from some one; and it would be better from me than from an outsider.