You said once that married life is a compromise.
But it was not cultivated; it consisted of the same short-grass prairie which formed
the road-side. The three girls were busy helping their mother to dress. Elliot was
getting readyfor her drive to town; her preparations were manifold.
Not that, at the time, he wouldhave acknowledged
that lack as a defect.
In this moment of survey John Elliot seniors eye
swept south. No, mother, Mary had said with the same weary voice. It is fromthe
notebooks of the present that the masterpieces of the futureare made.
With anxiety and sinister forebodings he began to
see a break inthat continuity. That touch which held power to freehim of all
uncertainties?
It will be better when the child is born. As ever,
these thoughts concerned his children. Rumour, coming through John, asserted that
Fred Sately was infinancial difficulties. During her one years acquaintance with him
Mr.
For a second the two women stood fronting
eachother. The mere fact that his son was farming his own land was contrary tohis
wishes. The selfish, iron composure with which hepursued his purpose, ignoring the
feelings of others. No, mother, Mary had said with the same weary
voice.
Ina long draw or hollow his own field stretched
from west to east. They had had some means, though; afew thousand dollars
accumulated by careful, painstaking economy. Secretly she cried over it; and she
blamed thegirl. Elliot had said pointedly, Many admire him.