"Not a bit," said I. "I've only wished she could stand still until Lad
grows up."
"You must think well of her, to say that," said he delightedly. "And, on
my word, I don't know but she will continue to stand still, as far as
looks go. But in mind--and heart--well, the only thing is, I'm so far
below her I don't dare to hope. All I know is that, for sheer womanly
sweetness and strength, there's nobody her equal. And yet, when I try to
put my finger on what makes her what she is--I can't tell."
"One can't analyze her charm," said I, "except as you've just done
it--womanly sweetness and strength. Hepatica is--Hepatica. And being
that, we love her."
"We do," said he, half under his breath, and caught my hand and gave it
a grip which stung.
* * * * *
The next morning the Gay Lady came home. We had not expected her until
evening, and when we heard a light footstep approaching through the hall
as we sat at breakfast, we looked at one another in dumb astonishment
and disbelief.
Pages:
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84