It
was all very well for Bonaparte to talk of burning the books. He had had
his hair spiritually pulled, and she had no wish to repeat his experience.
She shook her head. Bonaparte was displeased. But then a happy thought
occurred to him. He suggested that the key of the loft should henceforth
be put into his own safe care and keeping--no one gaining possession of it
without his permission. To this Tant Sannie readily assented, and the two
walked lovingly to the house to look for it.
Chapter 1.XII. He Bites.
Bonaparte Blenkins was riding home on the grey mare. He had ridden out
that afternoon, partly for the benefit of his health, partly to maintain
his character as overseer of the farm. As he rode on slowly, he
thoughtfully touched the ears of the grey mare with his whip.
"No, Bon, my boy," he addressed himself, "don't propose! You can't marry
for four years, on account of the will; then why propose? Wheedle her,
tweedle her, teedle her, but don't let her make sure of you. When a
woman," said Bonaparte, sagely resting his finger against the side of his
nose, "When a woman is sure of you she does what she likes with you; but
when she isn't, you do what you like with her. And I--" said Bonaparte.
Here he drew the horse up suddenly and looked. He was now close to the
house, and leaning over the pigsty wall, in company with Em, who was
showing her the pigs, was a strange female figure.
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