28
“Please reconsider your decision!” my sister begs me.
“Why?” I gaze in the mirror at myself. I am wearing my best coat, and I have combed my hair back so rigorously that now it shines like burnished silver. I am pleased with my appearance. It is neat and presentable; I may not be the wealthiest man in town—much less the wealthiest man in the colony of Massachusetts—but I figure that with my current appearance, it would not be possible for any wealthy man to deny my offer.
“It is a long ride through the most dangerous part of the forest,” Johanna insists. “It will be dark by the time you make your way home, and you could easily get lost!”
“I doubt I shall need to return home tonight,” I say confidently. “When Mr. Stowe accepts my offer, he will likely offer me lodging for the night.”
