Caleb's reputation as a husband was not, while his wife lived, that of a "liberal provider." And yet this was Hannah's first proposal, and it had come years after she had given up hoping for one.

So she prolonged the delicious moment as long as possible.
"I suppose you're thinkin' about that brother of yours," suggested Mr.
Hammond.

"Well, he'll be all right.

'Cordin' to what I've heard, and seen myself, he's hangin' around that hired help girl at the High Cliff pretty reg'lar these days.

Maybe he'll marry her and you'll be left without anybody.