Part 15 (2/2)
”Yes. I've felt of late as though you were a big, sick baby on my hands, and I've grown tired of the charge.”
”Well, upon my soul!” he exclaimed.
”Our engagement is at an end.”
”Elena!”
”I'll keep your beautiful ring”--she touched it affectionately--”for the memories that will always bind us as brother and sister. Besides, it will deceive your father for a while. He has enough to worry him just now.”
Before Norman could pull himself together, or utter a protest, she had turned and left him gasping with astonishment.
CHAPTER XII
A ROYAL GIFT
Norman resumed his place in his father's home and began a systematic, persistent, and enthusiastic campaign to raise the funds to purchase the island of Ventura and establish the ideal Commonwealth of Man.
On the day of the big ma.s.s-meeting of Socialists, who had gathered from every state of the Golden West, Elena found her guardian seated alone on the broad veranda overlooking the Bay of San Francisco. A look of deep trouble clouded his strong face.
”You are worried?” she said, seating herself by his side.
”Yes, dearie,” was the moody answer.
”Over Norman's meeting?”
”Yes. The boy's set his heart on this big foolish enterprise. His failure is a certainty. I don't know what may follow.”
”You are sure he can't raise the money?”
”Absolutely. The disappointment will be a stunning blow to his pride.”
”You know that if he did succeed in raising the money, and establis.h.i.+ng his brotherhood of man, the scheme would end in failure?”
”As clearly as I know I am living.”
”Would you be sorry if the dream should be realized?”
”On the other hand, I'd shout for joy to find the human race capable of such a miracle.”
Elena gently touched his hand. ”Then, Guardie, there's but one thing to do,” she said, with a deep, spiritual look in her blue eyes.
”What?”
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