"You're a
man, with a man's business to transact in the world. You have to
hustle and earn money to pay for the bridge and changing the
brook."
"But I had money to pay for the brook and the bridge before I
agreed to them," said Peter.
"Well, then," said Linda, "you should begin to hunt old mahogany
and rugs."
"I hadn't intended to," said Peter; "if they are to be old, I
won't have to do more than to ship them. In storage in Virginia
there are some very wonderful old mahogany and rosewood and rugs
and bric-a-brac enough to furnish the house I am building. The
stuff belonged to a little old aunt of mine who left it to me in
her will, and it was with those things in mind that I began my
house. The plans and finishing will fit that furniture
beautifully."
"Why, you lucky individual!" said Linda. "Nowhere in the world
is there more beautiful furniture than in some of those old homes
in Virginia. There are old Flemish and Dutch and British and
Italian pieces that came into this country on early sailing
vessels for the aristocrats. You don't mean that kind of stuff,
do you, Peter?"
"That is precisely the kind of stuff I do mean," answered Peter.
"Why Peter, if you have furniture like that," cried Linda, "then
all you need is Mary Louise."
"Linda," said Peter soberly, "you are trespassing on delicate
ground again. You selected one wife for me and your plan didn't
work. When that furniture arrives and is installed I'll set
about inducing the lady of my dreams to come and occupy my dream
house, in my own way.
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