Father is a better man than he ever was: a
wife that can retain his interest will now keep him steady all his
life."
The adjournment of the Legislature was at hand; another year, and
perhaps years unforeseen in number, were to be occupied in the same
slow, illusive quest.
Judge Custis found himself one morning early above the dome of the old
state-house, where he frequently went at that hour with Rhoda Holland,
to look out upon the bay and the town and "Severn's silver wave
reflected."
He turned to her with a sparkle of humor, yet a flush of the cheek, and
said:
"My girl, what is to be your answer to Pastor Tilghman's marriage
offer?"
"It cannot be."
"Then I am free to ask for another. Rhoda, you have seen that I am
foolish for you. I was your admirer when you were a poor forest girl--"
"And when you were a married man," Rhoda interrupted. "How splendid and
sly you were! But, even then, I was delighted that a great man like you
could even flirt with me. Perhaps you will cut up the same way again?"
"No, Rhoda. This is my last opportunity. I will devote to you my
remaining life. I am fifty-five, but it is the best fifty-five in
Maryland. You shall have the devotion of twenty-five."
"I want to be taken to Washington," Rhoda said. "I think I could marry
an old man if he took me there."
"I will run for Congress, then. You will make a great woman in public
life.
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