In a few more minutes escape will be impossible." She turned and faced them then, dropping her mocking and excited manner, and speaking quite calmly and quietly.
"Good fellow, who told you that I should leave my house?
I have no intention whatever of doing any such thing.

What should I do in a strange place with strange surroundings?
Here I have lived, and here I will die.

You are an honest man, and you have an honest wench for your daughter.

Keep all you have saved, and give her a marriage portion when she is fool enough to marry.

As for me, I shall want it no more." "But, madam, it is idle speaking thus!" cried Reuben, with the impetuosity of youth.