"Suppose I do," said Jack, jumping up, "and suppose you stay away and let
me try what I can accomplish single-handed."
"Only--" began Janice--and then she stopped and lifted a warning finger.
Jack listened and a stealthy creak betrayed Lucinda's proximity somewhere
in the vicinity.
It was plain to be seen that there were many issues to be kept in mind,
and the young man grit his teeth because he didn't dare embrace his
betrothed, and then walked away in the direction of Aunt Mary's room.
If she was glad to see him! One would have supposed that ten years and two
oceans had elapsed since their last meeting the month before.
She fairly screamed with joy.
"Jack!--You dear, dear, dear boy! Well, if I ever did!--When did you come?"
He was by the bed hugging her. "And how are they all? How is the city? Oh,
Jack, if I could only go back with you this time!"
"Never mind, Aunt Mary; you'll be coming soon--in the spring, you know."
Aunt Mary sank back on the pillows.
"Jack," she said, "if I have to wait for spring, I shall die. I ain't
strong enough to be able to bear livin' in the country much longer. I've
pretty much made up my mind to buy a house in town and just keep this
place so's to have somewhere to put Lucinda."
"Do you think you'd be happy in town, Aunt Mary?" Jack yelled; "I mean if
you lived there right along?"
"I don't see how I could be anythin' else. I don't see how anyone could be
anythin' else. I want a nice house with a criss-cross iron gate in front
of it an' an automobile.
Pages:
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236