"You are only
eighteen! You can not tell what changes may occur before you are old
enough to be married."
"But that need not interfere with an engagement," suggested Benjamin.
"We only pledge each to the other against the time we are ready to be
married. Sometimes parties are engaged for years before they are
married."
"It is not a good plan, however. And why, Benjamin, do you deem an
engagement necessary in the circumstances?"
"Simply because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," answered
Benjamin, laughing. Mrs. Read laughed, too.
"I have not quite satisfied myself that it is best to give up my
daughter to a printer," she added.
"How so?" inquired Benjamin with some anxiety.
"Because there are already several printing houses in the country, and
I doubt whether another can be supported."
"If I can not support her by the printing business, then I will do it
by some other," responded Benjamin, emphatically.
"I do not call in question your good intentions, by any means; but you
may not realize the fulfillment of your hopes. I think you had better
leave the matter as it is until you return from England, and see how
you are prospered."
"Of course, I shall yield to your judgment in the matter," said
Benjamin, very politely, "though I shall be somewhat disappointed."
"You and Deborah can have such understanding with each other as you
wish; but I object to a formal engagement.
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