Ben nodded. "I don't mean to push this on ye. It's more than I can ask. I just thought it might work out well for both of you, if you were reluctant to marry any other woman."

Elijah sighed, "It's best for the woman, I believe completely. It isn't just me being reluctant, Ben. I do not want to have Alice suffer because she is tied to a man like me. You are kind though, I hope someone better comes along."

"You underestimate yourself." said Ben. "Fine. Just think about it."

Elijah smiled weakly, "If things were different, I'd be there for her in a heart beat, you have to understand. But alright, I'll think about it."

Ben nodded and finally picked up his pipe and began adding tobacco again.

His eyes dropped to the floor as he drank his tea. He started to wonder how he'd gotten so entangled in this.

Ben lit his pipe. "You'll still come on Sunday, won't you. We'll just forget about all the trouble, and be grateful for the girl's life. Rose is off from work and coming."

Elijah nodded and smiled. "Of course, I wouldn't miss it unless there's an emergency."

"Good," he said, and he began his smoke.

Elijah nodded and quietly drank his tea and kept his head down.