Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1919-09-26
The
Magnificent AmberSOnS
Continued from page two)


go into business or adopt profess
sion?"
II wasn't quite sure" she said
gently. 81 really didn't know-quIte."
"Then of course it's time did tell
you. You know yourself there are
lot of people in the East-in the South
too, for that matter-that don't think
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 thing or
two, right at the start, and guess
they won't forget it! Well, 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,
George?" 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 to 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 grleved
wonder. But you really don't mean
to have any regular business or pro-
fesston at all?"
II certainly do not| George re-
turned promptly and emphatically.
81 was afraid So" she said ina low
voice.
George continued to breathe deep
ly throughout another protracted in
terval Of silence Then he said
"Your father is a business man"
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"
Every well. 1 merely wished to ask
If it's his influence that makes you
think I ought to do something's"
Lucy frowned slightly. "Why, 1
suppose almost everything 1 think or
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, so of course"
81 seel" And Georges brow dark
ened with resentment. $50 that's it,
is it? It's your fathers idea that I
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 mo- I've never once spo-
ken to him about it. Never|
George looked at her keehly, 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? I see"
She nodded gravely, Eyes"
Georges brow grew darker still.
"Do you think I'd he much of man.
he said slowly, "if l let any other
man dictate to me my own way Of
life?"
George! Who's debating your
at seems to me it amounts to that =
"Oh, No only know how papa thinks
about things. He's never, never spO
ken unkindly or 'dictatingly' of you
Her face was so touching in its dis
tress that for the moment George for
got his anger, He seized that small
troubled hand.
Lucy" he said huskily Don
you know that l love your
"Yes-I do"
Don't you love meW
"Yes-I do"
"Then what does it matter wha
your father thinks about my dOinl
something or not doing anything? HI
has his way, and l have mine. Why
look at your fathers best friend, m!
Uncle George Amberson-he's neve
done anything in his life, and"
ooh, yes, he has" she interrupted
"He was in politics."
"Well, I'm glad he's out" Georg
said. politics is a dirty business TO
a gentleman, and Uncle George woult
tell you that himself Lucy, let's no
talk any more about it. Let me tel
mother when l get home that weir
engaged. Won't you, dear?'
She shook her head. NO. sh
said, and gave him a sudden littl
look of renewed gayety. Let's let
stay almost
Because your father"
"Oh, because it's betterw
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 sa
I don't care for your fathers ideal
any more than he does for minew
He frightened the reins, Pendenni
quickening eagerly to the trOt; an
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