WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.640 --> 00:00:05.799 Chapter fifteen of Wider Love by Ali Chiva Thare. This 2 00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:10.599 LibriVox recording is in the public domain. One summer day, 3 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:16.719 the week that decided Quimby's fate so unexpectedly and brought 4 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:21.079 him so much woe to Sin, brought good tidings. Her 5 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:24.480 success at the concert had been so decided that she 6 00:00:24.600 --> 00:00:27.239 was the recipient of many offers for the coming season, 7 00:00:27.760 --> 00:00:31.640 and was enabled to accept those that promised most advantageously. 8 00:00:32.359 --> 00:00:34.840 No one was more honestly glad than was Natty in 9 00:00:34.840 --> 00:00:40.200 her congratulations. Natty had fought and overcome that selfish pain 10 00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:44.079 and bitter wonder of hers why Sin should have everything 11 00:00:44.479 --> 00:00:49.000 and she nothing. Since the approach of summer, a much 12 00:00:49.079 --> 00:00:51.920 talked of project among them had been a little picnic 13 00:00:51.960 --> 00:00:54.640 party in the woods, and as Clem now proposed to 14 00:00:54.640 --> 00:00:57.320 get it up in honor of Sin's success, the plan 15 00:00:57.399 --> 00:01:01.600 was immediately carried out. Missus Simonson, with a feeble protest 16 00:01:01.880 --> 00:01:05.840 because miss Killing was not invited, accompanied them. The them, 17 00:01:05.959 --> 00:01:10.560 of course, consisted of Sin, Natti, Clem, Joe, and the 18 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:15.280 newly betrothed ones. Nature was kind to these seekers of 19 00:01:15.280 --> 00:01:18.760 her solitudes and gave them a perfect day. One of 20 00:01:18.760 --> 00:01:22.000 those that occur in our uncertain climate, less often than 21 00:01:22.079 --> 00:01:25.799 might be wished, but that penetrate everywhere with their sunshine 22 00:01:26.040 --> 00:01:30.519 when they do come, even into hearts where sunshine seldom glances. 23 00:01:31.480 --> 00:01:34.959 So for the knots our friends forgot all their little troubles, 24 00:01:35.480 --> 00:01:38.879 even quimby brightening up and ceasing to think of his engagement. 25 00:01:39.319 --> 00:01:42.040 As they stood underneath the green trees by the banks 26 00:01:42.040 --> 00:01:45.319 of the small river. Sunshine everywhere and the music of 27 00:01:45.359 --> 00:01:49.280 birds in the air. Is it not glorious? Cried Sin 28 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:52.840 like a child in her exuberance. Why not camp out 29 00:01:52.840 --> 00:01:56.840 here and stay all summer ecstatically suggested Clem as he 30 00:01:56.920 --> 00:01:59.840 fundled his fishing tackle. But it might not always be 31 00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:04.519 like this, said practical Missus Simonson. When the sunshines, we 32 00:02:04.640 --> 00:02:08.280 forgave my ever storm, said Joe, and looking admiringly at 33 00:02:08.319 --> 00:02:11.879 Sinn as he spoke. Is there an artist of philosophers 34 00:02:11.879 --> 00:02:14.400 well as the west we know he is, asked Syn 35 00:02:14.520 --> 00:02:19.840 laughing A very little one five feet six, replied Joe. Well, 36 00:02:19.960 --> 00:02:23.080 we will have no shadows to day, said Syn. No 37 00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:27.879 shadows to day, echoed Joe. Then, turning to Missus Simmonson, asked, 38 00:02:28.199 --> 00:02:31.080 I hope you do not still regret miss cling. I 39 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:34.280 suppose she would spoil it all that good lady committed 40 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:39.000 herself enough to say. Well, really, I must say, remarked Celeste, 41 00:02:39.159 --> 00:02:42.520 who now gave herself many airs and evidently looked upon 42 00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:47.680 sin and natty as commonplace creatures not engaged. I must say, 43 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:50.280 now that you are speaking of her, that she does 44 00:02:50.319 --> 00:02:53.159 cling in the way that is not pleasant. Sometimes she 45 00:02:53.240 --> 00:02:56.800 actually annoys pa. I thought she entertained to have regard 46 00:02:56.840 --> 00:03:01.680 for your father, said mischievous sin. That is exactly it, 47 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:06.680 replied Celeste to I, a regard. Truly, she behaves very 48 00:03:06.759 --> 00:03:11.439 ridiculously while she positively waylays par so indelicate in a woman, 49 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:15.800 you know, with sublime unconsciousness of ever having indulged in 50 00:03:15.800 --> 00:03:20.000 the pastime of waylaying herself such an old creature too. 51 00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:22.520 She's always come in and wanting to mend his old 52 00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:25.759 clothes and stockings. Poor par actually has to lock himself 53 00:03:25.800 --> 00:03:29.719 in his rooms. Sometimes the vision of poor par thus 54 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:32.479 pursued was too much for the gravity of the company, 55 00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:37.039 and that was a general laugh. It is true, asserted Celeste. 56 00:03:37.159 --> 00:03:40.759 How isn't it Ralphie appealing to her betrothed with appropriate 57 00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:45.280 bashfulness everybody stared at this. No one ever before really 58 00:03:45.319 --> 00:03:47.800 knew that Quimby possessed a front door to his name, 59 00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:50.919 and he, as surprised as any one at the cognomen 60 00:03:51.039 --> 00:03:54.319 love had discovered, fell back on a roaring log and 61 00:03:54.360 --> 00:03:56.800 clutched his legs to that extent that they must have 62 00:03:56.840 --> 00:04:00.080 been black and blue for a week. Afterwards, Clems say 63 00:04:00.120 --> 00:04:04.639 of the discomfited Ralphie the necessity of replying by interposing 64 00:04:04.639 --> 00:04:07.719 with come, come, let us not talk on such incongruous 65 00:04:07.719 --> 00:04:11.360 subjects this lovely day. Let us rather talk sentiment, And 66 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:14.639 he gave a prodigious wink in Joe's direction. I fear 67 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:19.480 we are not a very sentimental party, laughed Sin, adding myschievously, except, 68 00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:24.079 of course, Quimby and Celeste, Oh I have not. I 69 00:04:24.120 --> 00:04:26.920 assure you I am not in the least you know, 70 00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:30.879 protested Quimby. Taking a roll on the log never felt 71 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:36.959 less so in my life, why, Ralphie, exclaimed Celeste reproachfully, 72 00:04:37.279 --> 00:04:39.879 and to his distress, went up close to him and 73 00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:42.040 would have sat down by his side, but for the 74 00:04:42.120 --> 00:04:46.000 uncontrollable rolling propensity of that log, which made it impossible. 75 00:04:46.839 --> 00:04:49.759 How is it with you, Joe, queried, Sin, can you 76 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:52.639 not for once forget your horrible hobby and be a 77 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:55.959 little sentimental in honor of the day. Joe, who was 78 00:04:55.959 --> 00:04:58.720 throwing sticks into the water to the great disturbance of 79 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:01.720 the bugs and pa shown annoyance of a big frog, 80 00:05:02.279 --> 00:05:07.519 made a somewhat surprising reply. Decidedly seriously, he said, arvivo 81 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:11.040 should attempt it, and I get too much in earnest. Oh, 82 00:05:11.079 --> 00:05:14.399 we will risk that, So please begin, said Sin, but 83 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:17.800 staring at him a little as she spoke, do sentimental 84 00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:22.000 just imagine it? Will you risk it? He asked, still seriously, 85 00:05:22.399 --> 00:05:24.879 and with so peculiar an expression that she could reply 86 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:29.199 only by another astonished stare. But really it does not 87 00:05:29.279 --> 00:05:31.439 pay to be sentimental, as you all ought to have 88 00:05:31.480 --> 00:05:35.079 found out long ago, as Joe and I have, Natty 89 00:05:35.160 --> 00:05:40.240 said jestingly, yet with an undertone of earnestness, then said 90 00:05:40.279 --> 00:05:43.920 clem dryly, since it is so with us, let us fish, 91 00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:48.160 and he threw his line into the stream. Sin, Joe, 92 00:05:48.319 --> 00:05:52.240 and Missus Simmonson followed his example. Quimby declined, joining in 93 00:05:52.279 --> 00:05:56.160 the sport, and, perhaps likening himself to the fish, balanced 94 00:05:56.240 --> 00:06:00.920 himself on the log and looked on with a pathetic face. Celeste, 95 00:06:01.160 --> 00:06:05.240 as in duty bound, remained by his side. Natty, too 96 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:09.000 was an observer only, and from the expression of her face, 97 00:06:09.360 --> 00:06:13.800 was decidedly not amused. I think it is cruel, she exclaimed, 98 00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:17.360 as Joe took a fish of Syn's hook. O I 99 00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:21.120 quite agree with you, Quimby replied quickly in answer to 100 00:06:21.199 --> 00:06:25.800 Nassy's observation. It is cruel. But perhaps a fish were 101 00:06:25.800 --> 00:06:29.800 made for people to catch, suggested the Pacific missus Simpson, 102 00:06:30.120 --> 00:06:32.879 who had not yet been able to get a bite. Yes, 103 00:06:33.439 --> 00:06:37.040 acquiesced Clem, pulling up a skinny little fish. They are 104 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:39.839 no worse of than we poor mortals. After all, we 105 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:43.920 must each fulfill our destiny with a man or fish. Yes, 106 00:06:44.720 --> 00:06:50.160 it is all fate, exclaimed Quimby, vehemently. We cannot help ourselves. 107 00:06:50.920 --> 00:06:53.399 You believe in fate, then, nat At think I do, 108 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:57.279 said Sin with a glance, half humorous, half pitying at 109 00:06:57.319 --> 00:06:59.879 its victim on the log. What incentive will we have 110 00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:02.959 any effort if we were sure everything was marked out 111 00:07:02.959 --> 00:07:06.519 for us in advance. That is a question requiring too 112 00:07:06.600 --> 00:07:09.279 much effort for us to discuss on a warm day, 113 00:07:09.519 --> 00:07:13.920 said Natty. Certain circumstances, Master bring about certain as odds 114 00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:17.800 he will acknowledge. Clem gravely remarked, But it is said 115 00:07:17.839 --> 00:07:20.680 that every soul is born as a twin somewhere, and 116 00:07:20.839 --> 00:07:24.839 if so, that must be fate, said Missus Simonson. Miss 117 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:28.839 Kling's theory, I believe, laughed Natty. If it is so, 118 00:07:29.439 --> 00:07:33.839 the right ones don't often come together, said Quimby gloomily. 119 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:39.040 We are an exception. Then to the general rule, simpered Celeste. 120 00:07:39.600 --> 00:07:44.720 Guimby groaned and then murmured something about the toothache. Poor fellow, 121 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:48.279 said Sin in a low voice to Natty. After all, 122 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:54.519 there is something in fate, Natty sighed, Perhaps so, she said. Well, 123 00:07:54.519 --> 00:07:57.839 we will not get solemn over fate, said Joe cheerily. Then, 124 00:07:57.879 --> 00:08:01.600 in a lower voice, as he glanced at Sinn, he added, Yet, 125 00:08:02.040 --> 00:08:04.319 and do not frighten away what few fish there are 126 00:08:04.439 --> 00:08:09.920 here with your theories, commanded Clem. Although this mandate was obeyed, 127 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:12.879 and for a time silence reigned, it was not long 128 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:15.879 before they were all singing a gay song, started by 129 00:08:15.920 --> 00:08:19.399 Clem himself, even Quimby joining in the chorus with a 130 00:08:19.399 --> 00:08:22.399 feeble tenor. But they were tired of fishing by that 131 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:24.879 time and began to feel as if a little refreshment 132 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:27.839 would not be out of place, and would indeed enhance 133 00:08:27.959 --> 00:08:31.120 the loveliness of nature. So a fire was made and 134 00:08:31.240 --> 00:08:34.480 lunch baskets unpacked. It will take a good many of 135 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:37.679 those fish for a mouthful, declared Clem, who was cook. 136 00:08:38.639 --> 00:08:41.240 You may have my share. The canting creatures I have 137 00:08:41.320 --> 00:08:45.799 seen squirm, said Natty, Ah, you fastidious young woman. What 138 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:47.960 shall I ever do do if you are cast away 139 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:51.360 on a desert island with me, exclaimed Clem in mock despair, 140 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:54.519 save to p telegraph wire, and then she would need 141 00:08:54.600 --> 00:08:59.120 nothing more, insinuated Sin, and get snubbed for my pains, 142 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:04.159 must Clem sotto votche. But Natty caught the words, and 143 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:08.080 an expression of distress passed over her face. This reminds 144 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:11.639 me of their feast, Sinn, declared, as they sealed themselves 145 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:15.399 wherever convenient, with a dish of whatever was handy. Only 146 00:09:15.480 --> 00:09:21.399 more so, added Clem. What feast, asked Celeste curiously, when 147 00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:25.240 we had once, Sin replied evasively, glad there was something 148 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:28.639 Celeste did not know about. In fact, in the matter 149 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:32.759 of curiosity, Celeste was an embryo. Miss Kling. I'm sorry 150 00:09:32.759 --> 00:09:36.200 we have no Charlotte Russ to day, Quimby, remarked Clem 151 00:09:36.519 --> 00:09:40.600 with an expression of transparent innocence. Quimby could only reply 152 00:09:40.799 --> 00:09:45.080 with a groan. The recollections awakened were too much. What 153 00:09:45.200 --> 00:09:49.600 is the matter now, Ralphrey asked the loving Celeste Again. 154 00:09:50.039 --> 00:09:56.159 Quimby muttered something about that tooth. Oh, said Celeste tenderly, 155 00:09:56.519 --> 00:10:00.240 you really must have it out Ralphrey. The possibility being 156 00:10:00.279 --> 00:10:03.759 obliged to part with a sound tooth in self defense 157 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:06.679 restored him for the time being. But he was not 158 00:10:06.759 --> 00:10:09.879 the only one to whom the retrospect brought a momentary pain. 159 00:10:10.919 --> 00:10:13.080 Natty sighed as she looked back to the day that 160 00:10:13.159 --> 00:10:16.720 had brought clem, but not restored, as she then supposed, 161 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:21.200 but taken away her sea. The salubrious air and the 162 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:24.480 invigorating odor of the forest adds immeasurably to the natural 163 00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:28.960 capacity the appetite, commented Joe bravely, as he passed his 164 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:33.759 plate for the seventh fish. Ah, sighed Celeste, who prided 165 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:36.759 herself on her delicacy. I never could eat more than 166 00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:41.519 would satisfy a mouse, and since my engagement simpering, I 167 00:10:41.559 --> 00:10:46.200 cannot swallow enough to scarce keep me alive, Quimby looked 168 00:10:46.279 --> 00:10:51.000 up eagerly. I beg pardon, but if the if the 169 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:57.600 engagement weighs upon you, I am willing to release you, 170 00:10:57.600 --> 00:11:03.720 you know, he exclaimed hopefully. You jealous creature, replied Celeste archly. 171 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:07.799 You know, Ralphy, that no consideration could make me release you. 172 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:11.720 Quimby knew it only too well, and sighed as he 173 00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:15.559 picked a chicken bone. A great objection to dining in 174 00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:17.480 the woods is that one is apt to find his 175 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:22.159 food unexpectedly seasoned, said Clem, as he captured a six 176 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:25.360 legged bug of an adventurous spirit that had sought to 177 00:11:25.399 --> 00:11:29.000 investigate the contents of his plate. Isn't it strange that 178 00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:31.559 bugs don't seem after bad in our food ear as 179 00:11:31.559 --> 00:11:35.360 they would at home, said missus Simonson. We can get 180 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:38.240 us to anything if we only think so, said Syn, 181 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:44.519 bringing her cheery philosophy to the front. Yes, assented Quimby mournfully. 182 00:11:45.559 --> 00:11:51.519 I am used to it, you know, Syn laughed, and 183 00:11:51.559 --> 00:11:54.399 then proposed the health of the betrothed pair, which was 184 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:58.360 drunk in larger beer, and to which Quimby bolstered up by. 185 00:11:58.399 --> 00:12:01.879 Celeste attempted to respet fond but collapsed in the middle 186 00:12:01.919 --> 00:12:06.639 of the third sentence, and with the words then go 187 00:12:07.519 --> 00:12:14.279 and I'm mused to it, you know, sat down, wiped 188 00:12:14.279 --> 00:12:19.240 his forehead on his napkin, and looked intensely miserable. After 189 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:23.399 that they toasted sin, and then dots and dashes, and 190 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:28.840 last Joe, with mock solemnity, proposed fight. And just then 191 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:32.480 Quimby met with a fresh mishap and came near ending 192 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:35.879 his sufferers and a watery grave. Only the water did 193 00:12:35.919 --> 00:12:39.240 not happen to be quite deep enough. Arising from the 194 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:41.759 sharp pointed roc that had served him for a pivot 195 00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:45.240 in which to eat his dinner, he stumbled, fell, and 196 00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:47.559 rolled over and over down the bank and into the 197 00:12:47.679 --> 00:12:52.039 river with a tremendous splash. Everyone jumped up in consternation. 198 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:58.120 Oh clem Joe, shrieked Celeste, wringing her hands and rushing 199 00:12:58.159 --> 00:13:05.039 down to the water's edge. So leave him, save my darling, Ralphie. Ralphie, however, 200 00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:08.440 was equal to saving his own life. This time, the 201 00:13:08.519 --> 00:13:10.759 water was only up to his waist, and he had 202 00:13:10.759 --> 00:13:14.720 already picked himself up and was wading ashore. U ugh 203 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:17.679 a a all right, he said, looking up at his 204 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:22.440 anxious friends with a reassuring smile, I help youth, do it? 205 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:26.519 You know? As Clem assisted him up the bank, the 206 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:29.320 thought came into Syn's head, why would it not be 207 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:33.399 a good idea to push Nat accidentally into the river 208 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:37.039 so Clem might rescue her and thus bring about that 209 00:13:37.159 --> 00:13:41.320 much to be desired crisis. But remembering that water could 210 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:44.559 run the colors of her dress and father, how dreadfully 211 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:48.000 unbecoming it was to be wet, a fact fully demonstrated 212 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:51.480 by the present appearance of Quimby, Sin rejected their idea 213 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:55.200 was not exactly feasible. They left Quimby drying on a 214 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:59.600 sunny bank with Celeste's guardian Angel Love and the remains 215 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:02.240 of the repast asked to cheer her, and the consciousness 216 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:04.399 that his clothes were shrinking on him as they dried 217 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:07.480 to divert him, and wandered off through the woods and 218 00:14:07.559 --> 00:14:10.440 over the hills, gathering on the way so many flowers 219 00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:13.600 and green things that Sin declared they looked like burnham 220 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:17.399 wood coming to dunsinane. At first they were all together, 221 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:21.639 then straggled the part, Missus Simmonson being the first dereliction, 222 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:24.200 as she was not quite equal to climbing as fast 223 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:27.440 as the young people. Thus it came about that Natty 224 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:31.159 found herself alone with Clem, and, suddenly, stopping with some embarrassment, 225 00:14:31.399 --> 00:14:34.320 but steadily, he said, there is something I wish to 226 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:37.360 say to you. You have spoken several times of late 227 00:14:37.399 --> 00:14:41.200 about my stubbing you. I want to say I have 228 00:14:41.279 --> 00:14:44.799 not intentionally done so, that I have the same, the 229 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:47.799 same friendship for you as always, and that I wish 230 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:51.039 you every happiness. What may have appeared to you as 231 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:54.080 strange or cold in my conduct of late is due 232 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:57.440 to secrets of my own. Clem looked at her scrutinizingly 233 00:14:57.639 --> 00:15:00.720 as she spoke, and the flowers he had gathered fell 234 00:15:00.840 --> 00:15:04.519 unheeded from his hands. It has never been my wish 235 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:07.720 that any coldness should come between us. You know that, Natty, 236 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:12.360 he replied earnestly. From our first acquaintance, the old acquaintance 237 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:14.720 over the wire, you have held the same place in 238 00:15:14.799 --> 00:15:19.240 my heart, the place next to sin, was Natty's involuntary 239 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:22.799 bitter thought. But she instantly stifled the feeling and answered, 240 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:26.360 thank you, Clem, and I hope we may always be 241 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:30.799 the same friends. At this Clem took an impetuous step 242 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:33.320 towards her and would have said, you can tell what 243 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:36.480 had not. At the same moment Missus Simonson, very much 244 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:39.879 out of breath, come up with them. Natty was not sorry. 245 00:15:40.320 --> 00:15:42.399 She had wished to say to him what she had 246 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:45.039 that she might not think her changed manner of late 247 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:49.000 had been caused by any feeling of dislike, and might understand. 248 00:15:49.080 --> 00:15:52.000 She wished him success with Sin, but she had no 249 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:55.159 desire to prolong the interview, and gladly walked on by 250 00:15:55.200 --> 00:15:59.080 the side of the puffing Missus Simonson. Clem, however, looked 251 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:03.240 displeased and followed with a thoughtful face, so thoughtful that 252 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:08.399 Missus Simonson noticed and wondered at his preoccupation. Meanwhile, Sin 253 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:11.879 with Joe was far in advance and had turned into 254 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:15.440 a by path that led toward a slight rising. Sauntering on, 255 00:16:16.080 --> 00:16:21.480 Sin talking merrily Joe unusually quietly, until suddenly stopping, she exclaimed, 256 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:24.080 dear me, we have lost sight of every one. It 257 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:27.039 would not better return Nah I do not want to, 258 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:30.759 answered Joe bluntly, do not as we say, and we 259 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:33.639 must not lose them. Perhaps they will stroll this way. 260 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:36.399 Shall we sit down? And without waiting for a response, 261 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:39.080 Syn seated herself on a big rock by the side 262 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:42.960 of the pathway. Although Joe was not romantic, he had 263 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:46.240 an artist I and could not but note the beauty 264 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:48.879 of the scene before him, a scene he did not 265 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:53.120 need to reproduce on canvas to remember ever after, the 266 00:16:53.159 --> 00:16:56.960 mountains on the background, the narrow path sloping down from 267 00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:59.399 the near hill to where on the gray and moss 268 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:03.279 covered rock, Sin sat, her dark eyes mellow with the 269 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:07.039 summer sunshine, and the cheery ribbons of her hat giving 270 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:10.519 the requisite touch of color to make the picture perfect. 271 00:17:11.599 --> 00:17:15.079 For a moment, he stood in silent admiration. Then, taking 272 00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:18.319 off his hat and smoothing down his shaven locks, he said, 273 00:17:18.920 --> 00:17:21.160 to tell the truth, Sin, I'd do hope they will 274 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:24.599 not stroll this way though around altogether too much. I 275 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:27.279 can never have a quiet talk with you, I declare 276 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:29.880 I leave an addition to your being unsentimental and all 277 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:34.039 that you are becoming a confirmed grumbler, exclaimed Sinn, as 278 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:36.160 she caught one of the bowels of the tree overhead 279 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:40.440 and turned a merrily protesting face towards him. Joe looked 280 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:42.960 at her, and a queer expression came over his face. 281 00:17:43.640 --> 00:17:47.400 Am I, he said, slowly, Well, would you like to 282 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:50.240 see me sentimental. Would you like to see me make 283 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:53.079 a fool of myself? Nothing would give me greater pleasure, 284 00:17:53.400 --> 00:17:58.359 cried Sin, then exclaimed Joe, planting himself directly in front 285 00:17:58.359 --> 00:18:01.240 of her. Here goes now, I'm going to astonish you 286 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:04.680 very much, Sin, very well, I am all in patience. 287 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:07.759 Go on, but it is no joke, he replied, in 288 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:10.279 protest to her laughing face. If I'm to make a 289 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:12.160 fool of myself, I am going to do it in 290 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:15.519 dead earnest. This is the way, of course, responded Sin, 291 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:19.200 but beginning to look a little surprised, for Joe seemed 292 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:23.000 very much excited, and his manner indicated anything but her jest. 293 00:18:23.599 --> 00:18:27.920 Extraordinary creature there, Joe. His next proceeding was even more strange. 294 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:31.799 That was to ask the apparently irrelevant question to remember 295 00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:36.079 what we all saying a short time ago about fate? Certainly, 296 00:18:36.480 --> 00:18:38.279 but I am going to favor me with a dissertation 297 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:41.359 on fate instead of making a fool of yourself. No, 298 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:45.400 was the solemn reply. Have a little patience, Sin. The 299 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:48.079 fact is you are my fate. There is no mistake 300 00:18:48.119 --> 00:18:51.920 about it. There must be either cruel or kind, and 301 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:56.519 there's no alternative. Since's surprise increased visibly. I am sure 302 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:58.839 I did not stand you are tall, acquere you are 303 00:18:58.880 --> 00:19:01.880 to day, Joe, of course I am queer. When a 304 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:04.680 man throws his theories and obbies to the winds and 305 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:07.839 confesses himself conquered, he is apt to be queer, is 306 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:10.799 he not? Can you not understand that I, Joe Norton, 307 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:14.279 who have always scoffed at sentiment and proudly declare myself 308 00:19:14.319 --> 00:19:17.599 incapable of being a victim of love, am ready yes, 309 00:19:17.920 --> 00:19:20.599 and longing to make as big a fool of myself 310 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:23.720 as the veriest, spooniest youth in existence, and all for 311 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:28.400 love of you. Sin to this exceedingly novel declaration of love, 312 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:32.200 Sin responded by releasing the bow she held and staring 313 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:35.720 at him with distended eyes and a perfectly blank face, 314 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:39.960 at once in her life speechless. I told you I 315 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:43.240 was going to astonish you, said Joe quaintly, in answer 316 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:45.759 to her prolonged stare. And I do not wonder that 317 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:48.240 you cannot believe I really love you. I do not 318 00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:51.039 myself for a long time, and I was not after 319 00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:54.200 I knew it. But it is a fact, no joke, 320 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:58.599 no mistake, but a sober, serious fact. I love you, 321 00:19:58.799 --> 00:20:02.759 love you, love you. Joe's voice grew very fervent as 322 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:05.960 he uttered these last words, and was in such striking 323 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:09.519 contrast to his ordinary manner that Sin could but see 324 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:15.079 that this was indeed no joke. Who you love? In 325 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:19.480 love me? She gasped, Yes, I could not help it. 326 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:21.680 I've only known it within a few days. But I 327 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:23.599 think I have loved you ever since we first met. 328 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:27.319 Only those confounded theories of mine blind in me. Well, 329 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:30.640 but what are you going to do about it? Questioned Sin, 330 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:34.839 Enable yet to recover from her bewilderment, Jo looked at 331 00:20:34.839 --> 00:20:38.440 her wistfully. I know I am homely, Sin, and I 332 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:41.559 am poor. I've nothing to offer you but an honest, 333 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:45.000 loving and true heart. I suppose a man who is 334 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:48.720 in love is naturally unreasonable. I never was in love before, 335 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:51.599 you know. By an extravagant hope, will whisper to me 336 00:20:51.960 --> 00:20:55.039 that even this little might not be unappreciated by you. 337 00:20:56.119 --> 00:20:59.519 And as he spoke, Joe's face was so transfigured that 338 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:03.319 he could no longer be called plain. Sin gazed at 339 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:06.839 him in wonder, and, recovering partly from her first surprise, 340 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:10.960 an unusual seriousness came over her own handsome face as 341 00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:15.680 she answered earnestly, it is not unappreciated. Oh no, do 342 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:19.119 nothing to offer me but honor, loving and true heart. 343 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:23.519 You say, why that is everything? Then will you accept it? 344 00:21:24.119 --> 00:21:26.839 May I try and win your love? He asked, eagerly, 345 00:21:26.880 --> 00:21:29.799 advancing close to her. I will work very hard to 346 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:32.400 make myself worthy of it, and to win a name 347 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:35.960 you need not be ashamed to bear. I lay myself 348 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:40.400 my life at your feet, Sin, And this is unsentimental, Joe, 349 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:46.359 Sin exclaimed involuntarily. This is unsentimental, Joe, he answered, in 350 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:49.839 all humility, do with him what you will. He is 351 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:56.079 all yours Intero. Sin's expressive eyes came some deeply stirred emotion. 352 00:21:57.920 --> 00:22:02.880 I am so sorry, she said, sadly, so very very sorry. 353 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:07.680 What shall I say? What shall I do? I like 354 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:10.279 you so much as a friend, but what you ask, 355 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:15.000 Joe could never be. The sun sank behind the distant hills, 356 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:18.119 and the shadow such as had fallen over the woods 357 00:22:18.200 --> 00:22:21.920 behind them, settled on Joe's face. The idea is new 358 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:25.759 to you, at least tink it over. Do not leave 359 00:22:25.799 --> 00:22:29.720 me without a little hope, he entreated. Joe. I wish 360 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:33.200 as I do wish that I could love you as 361 00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:37.200 you deserve to be loved, said Sin earnestly. But it 362 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:41.680 cannot be. It never could be. Do not deceive yourself 363 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:48.359 with false hopes. Friends always, Joe, but lovers never, Ah, 364 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:53.480 exclaimed Joe bitterly, unable to restrain his jealousy. It is 365 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:57.279 Clem who stands between us. Clym, who stands between us, 366 00:22:57.279 --> 00:23:02.039 echoed Sin, astounded for the second time. Day there now, 367 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:04.720 I've lowered myself in your estimation. I am but a 368 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:08.000 blundering fool. Sin. You see, I am selfish in my love, 369 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:10.599 and I have not yet become sentimental enough to be 370 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:13.119 willing to see another fellow win. What is all the 371 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:17.039 world to me? Sin's face grew red, as was the 372 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:20.440 sky when the sun had gone down. Do you mean 373 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:23.200 to insinuate that I am in love with Clem, she 374 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:26.359 asked angrily. I would not insinuate it for all the 375 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:29.920 world if you are not, was Joe's eager reply. I 376 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:32.599 am not experienced in love matters, but I am quite 377 00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:35.519 sure he loves you, and he is very handsome, he 378 00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:41.000 added ruefully. What a dreadful combination of circumstances cried Sinn, distractedly. 379 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:45.599 Woopsh it is impossible, impossible, No, indeed, why it was 380 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:47.559 by being so jous for him that I first awoke 381 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:49.920 to the fact that I was loving you myself. Besides, 382 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:52.480 every one has noticed his fondness for you. They you 383 00:23:52.599 --> 00:23:56.240 have vehemently and smiting the rock where she sat with 384 00:23:56.279 --> 00:24:00.519 her hand as she spoke. This is truly awful. Then 385 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:04.200 you do not care for him, questioned Joe, joyfully care 386 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:07.880 for him, repeated Syn irritably. Of course I care for him. 387 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:10.839 Is it not my pet scheme that he should marry Natty? 388 00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:13.400 Certainly it is, and he has been from the first 389 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:15.559 and now if he has gone and fallen in love 390 00:24:15.640 --> 00:24:18.839 with me a nice predicament, we will be in. But 391 00:24:18.920 --> 00:24:21.200 you must be mistaken. I cannot believe him capable of 392 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:23.759 such a thing. The only reason I have to fear 393 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:25.839 it is that I would not have credited it of 394 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:29.000 you yesterday. But you say I do love him. You 395 00:24:29.079 --> 00:24:32.200 believe I do, do you not, sin, asked Joe, too 396 00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:34.759 eager to press his own suit to give much thought 397 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:37.559 to Natty and Clem. Will you not try and love 398 00:24:37.640 --> 00:24:40.480 me as you do not love Clem? Am? I so 399 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:44.599 only as to be repulsive to you. Only nonsense, replied Sin, 400 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:49.319 momentarily putting aside at her newest anxiety for the previous one. I, 401 00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:51.720