The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1919-11-06

we've got any particular family or po-
sition or culture In this part Of the
country. There were one or two In
my crowd at college; their families
had lived on their income for three
generations, and they never dreamed
there was anybody in their class out
here. | had to show them a thing or
two. right at the start, n l guess
they won't forget it! Well, l think
it's time all their sort found out that
three generations can mean just as
much out here as anywhere else"
"But what are you going to do,
Gcorge?' she cried.
Georges earnestness surpassed
hers; he had become flushed and his
breathing was emotional. II expect
to live an honorable life," he said. 81
expect 70 contribute my share to chart
ties. and TO take part in-in move
mentS."
what kind?"
whatever appeals to me-" he said.
Lucy looked at him with grieved
wonder. "But you really don't mean
TO have any regular business or pro-
fesSiOn at all?"
81 certainly do not! !" George re-
turned promptly and emphatically.
II was afraid So" she said in a low
voice.
George continued to breathe deep
ly throughout another protracted in
terval of silence. Then he said,
"Your father is a business nan
Hes a mechanical genius" Lucy
interrupted quickly. "Of course he's
both. And he was a lawyer once
he's done all sorts of things"
"Very well. I merely wished to ask
II it's his influence that makes you
think I ought to do something's"
Lucy frowned slightly. "Why, l
suppose almost everything I think OF
say must be owing to his influence
in one way or another. We haven't
had anybody but each other for so
many years, and we always think
about alike, Sc of course"
81 sect" And Georges brow dark
ened with resentment. $50 that's 1t,
is it? It's your fathers idea that r
ought to go into business and that
you oughtn't to be engaged to me
until l do"
Lucy gave a start, her denial was
so quick. "No! I've never once spO-
ken to him about 1t. Never" =
George looked at her keenly, and
he jumped to a conclusion not far
from the truth. But you know with
out talking to him that it's the way
he does feel about it? l see."
She nodded gravely. "Yes."
Georges brow grew darker still.
DO you think I'd be much of a man."
be said slowly, "if / let any other
man dictate to me my own way OF
life p
George! Who's debating your"
ut seems to me II amounts to that :"
"Oh, MOI! only know how papa thinks
about things. He's never, never spO-
ken unkindly or 'dictatingly' of you
Her face vas so touching in it's dis
tresS that for the moment George for.
got his anger. He seized that small,
troubled hand.
Lucy" he said huskily. Don't
you know that l love yOu?"
"Yes--I do"
Don't you love me?"
"YeS-I do"
"Thcn what does it matter what
your father thinks about my doing
something or not doing anything? He
has his way, and | have mine. Why
look at your fathers best friend, my
Uncle George Amberson-he's never
done anything in his life, and"
"Oh. yes, he has," she interrupted
"He was in politics."
"Well. I'm glad he's out George
said. Politics is a dirty business fol
q gentleman, and Uncle George would
tell you that himself. Lucy, let's moi
talk any more about it. Let me tel
mother when 1 get home that we're
engaged. Won't you. dear?"
She shook her head. mo- sht
said, and gave him a sudden little
look of renewed gayety. Lets let 4
stay almost"
:. Because your father"
"Oh, because it's better!"
Georges voice shook. "Isn't. it you
father?"
ITS his ideals I'm thinking Of
yes"
George dropped her hand abrupt!
and anger narrowed his eyes. 81 know
what you mean" he said. 81 dare SAL
l don't care for your fathers ideals
any more than he does for mine 7"
He frightened the reins, Pendennii
quickening eagerly to the trOt; ant
when George jumped out of the runa
bout before Lucy's gate, and assiste,
/ her to descend, the silence in which
they parted was the same that had be
, gun when Pendennis began to trot.