Part 71 (1/2)

”I believe I will write to father and tell him I will take his kindness into serious consideration.”

”There is no need of haste.”

”He will want to begin to make plans. He is a great planner. Marjorie! I just thought of it. We will rent Linnet's house this summer--or board with her, and superintend the building of our own, Do you agree to that?”

”You haven't taken it into serious consideration yet.”

”Will it make any difference to you--my decision? Will you share my life--any way?”

Prue ran in at that instant, Linnet following. Hollis arose and walked around among the books. Prue squeezed herself into Marjorie's broad chair; and Linnet dropped herself on the ha.s.sock at Marjorie's feet, and laid her head in Marjorie's lap.

There was no trouble in Linnet's face, only an accepted sorrow.

”Marjorie, will you read to us?” coaxed Prue. ”Don't you know how you used to read in Maple Street?”

”What do you feel like listening to?”

”Your voice,” said Prue, demurely.

x.x.xI.

AND WHAT ELSE?