"You great, big, sweet fool of a poet, I do love you, I really do!"
* * * * *
"We were made for each other in every way ... my head just fits your
shoulder," she observed quaintly.
* * * * *
"Mubby came down to me this morning," said Hildreth one evening, "and
pleaded to be taken back again ... as husband...."
"And what?--"
"What did I do?... when I love you?... the mere idea made me sick to
think of. I couldn't endure him again."
* * * * *
One afternoon Penton and Hildreth were closeted together from lunch to
dark. It was my turn to cry out in my heart, and suffer agonies of
imagination.
* * * * *
The next morning Hildreth began packing up, with the aid of Mrs. Jones.
I came upon her, in the library, where I had gone to get a book. My face
fell dismally.
"I can't endure it any longer, Johnnie, I'm going back home, to New York
... my father will take me in."
"And how about me?"
"--wait patiently a few days then, if you still feel the same about me,
follow me!... and, until you come to join me, write me at least three
times a day."
"I'll do it ..." then I couldn't help being playful again, "I'll write
you entirely in cave-fashion."
"I am taking a big step, Johnnie, I'm through with Penton Baxter
forever--but I wonder if my new life is to be with you .
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