The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1917-03-15

desperately.
Jerry" she whispered. T-forgive
mel honestly Oh, I didn't think
what was saying last night. You were
so dear, and was 50 happy. and for
while | really believed we could
belong TO each other. But can't, you
know. I've promised papa and the
girls dozen times that I would never
marry. Don't you see how 1t Isl
must take II back"
Jerry smiled little, II must be ad-
mitted. This was so like his consci-
entious little Prudence
Dearest" he said gently. you love
me. Your father would never allow
you to sacrifice yourself like that. The
girls would not hear of 1t. They want
you to be happy. And you can't be
happy without me, can your
Suddenly she crushed close to him.
"Oh, Jerry" she sobbed. II will never
be happy again, l know. BUTT is
right for me to stay here and be the
mother In the parsonage. II is wicked
Of me to want you more than all Of
them. Don't you see 1t ISL They
haven't any mother. They haven't
anyone but me. OF course, they would
not allow II. but they will not know
anything about 1t. l must do 1t my
self. And father especially must
never know. I want you to go away
this morning before breakfast and
never come again."
She chung to him as she said this,
but her voice did not falter. And you
must not write to me any more. For,
never let you go, l know 1t. VIII you
do this f6 me?"
"You are nervous and excited" he
said tenderly. Lets wait until after
breakfast. Then Wen talk II all over
with your father, and II shall be as he
says. Won't that be better?"
"Oh. no. For father will say what
ever he thinks will make me happy. He
must not know a thing about IL. Prom
Use, Jerry, that you will never tell him
one word"
81 promise. of course, Prudence. l
will let you tell him."
But she shook her head. "He will
never know. oh, Jerry! ! can't bear
To think of never seeing you again.
and never getting letters from you, and
1t seems to kill me inside, Just the
thought of It,"
'Sit here In my lap. Put your head
on my shoulder. like that. Let me rub
your face little. You're feverish. You
are sick. Go to bed. won't you, sweet
hearth We can settle this later on"
"You must 20 right away, or can
not let you go ut all! !"
"Do you mean you want me to get
my things and go right nowf"
yes" She buried her face in his
shoulder. tiff you stay In your
room until breakfast time l will lock
you In, SO you cannot leave me again.
l know 1t. am crazy today"
Don't you think you owe me some
thing, as well as your father and sis
tiers? Didn't God bring us together.
and make us love each other2 Don't
you think he intended us for each 9TH
err Do you wish you had never met
mer
"Jerry"
Then, sweetheart, be reasonable.
Your father loved your mother, and
married her. That Is Gods plan for all
of US. You have been wonderfully
brave and sweet daughter and sister.
| know. But surely Fairy is old enough
to take your place now" J
"Fairy's going to be professor. and
the girls do not mind her very well.
And she isn't as much comfort to ia
ther as l am. It's just because l am
most like mother. you see. But any
how, promised. l can't leave them"
your father expects you to marry, |
and to marry me. told him about 1t /!
myself, long ago. And he was perfect
ly willing. He didn't say a word
against It,"
"Of course he wouldn't. That's Just |
like father. But still. promised. And
what would the girls say IL should |
go back on them? They have trusted
me. always. II / fail them, will they
ever trust anybody else? II you love
me. Jerry, please go, and stay away"
But her arm frightened about his neck.
"rll wait here until you get your
things, and We can-say goOdby. And
don't forget your promise"
"Oh, very well, Prudence" he an
swered. half irritably. 'if you insist
on ordering me away from the house
like this. l can only go. But"
Lets not talk any more about 1t,
Jerry. Please. I'll walt until you come
down."
When he came down a little later,
with his suitcase, his face was white
and strained.
She put her arms around his neck.
Jerry" she whispered. II want to tell
you that l love you so much that
eould go away with you. and never see
any Of them any more, or papa. or the
parsonage. aud st'il feel rich. II just
had you You-every thing in me seems
10 be all yours. love you"
Her tremulous lips were pressed
against his.
"Oh. sweetheart. this is folly. all
n |