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298 At the Back of the North Wind
better nor worse—so long, that is, as he had the horse.
Diamond's father could not help thinking it a pretty close bargain. He should have both the girl and the horse to feed, and only six hours' work out of the horse.
" It will save your own horse," said Mr. Raymond.
"That is true," answered Joseph; "but all I can get by my own horse is only enough to keep us, and if I save him and feed your horse and the girl—don't you see, sir?"
"Well, you can go home and think about it, and let me know by the end of the week. I am in no hurry before then."
So Joseph went home and recounted the proposal to his wife, adding that he did not think there was much advantage to be got out of it.
"Not much that way, husband," said Diamond's mother; "but there would be an advantage, and what matter who gets it!"
" I don't see it," answered her husband. " Mr. Raymond is a gentleman of property, and I don't discover any much good in helping him to save a little more. He won't easily get one to make such a bargain, and I don't mean he shall get me. It would be a loss rather than a gain — I do think—at least, if I took less work out of our own horse."
" One hour would make a difference to old Diamond. But that's not the main point. You must think what an advantage it would be to the poor girl that hasn't a home to go to!" |
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