"What do you think of it yourself?" he replied.
Mrs. Withers hesitated, and then said: "Well, James, it is a sort of
thing that requires so much thinking about that I have scarcely had
time to turn it over in my mind yet, especially with Mabel there
eating her breakfast opposite, and having no idea that this letter
contained anything of such importance to her. I would really rather
hear what you think about it." Mr. Withers remained silent, and she
went on: "Of course it would be a very nice thing for Mabel to have
such a provision for life."
A slight smile passed across Mr. Withers' face, and his wife saw that
that was not at all the way in which he looked at it.
"That is just like you men, James," she said a little pettishly. "You
ask us what we think about things when you have perfectly made up your
minds what you mean to do, whether we agree with you or not."
"I don't think that's often the case with us. Still I did want to see
whether the matter would have struck you at once in the same light in
which I see it, and I perceive that it has not."
"Well, James, let me hear your view of the matter. I dare say I shall
agree with you when you tell me what it is."
"Well, then, Amy," Mr. Withers said seriously, "it appears to me that
we cannot accept this offer for Mabel."
Mrs. Withers looked a little blank.
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