Life had been a long
fight; in yielding, he had conquered. He bubbled over into nonsense now
and then. Twenty years ago he had walked this path with Prudence Pomeroy,
when there was hatred in his heart and an overwhelming sorrow in hers.
There always comes a time when we are _through_. He believed that
tonight. Prue was not lighter of heart than he.
"Twenty years is a large piece out of a man's lifetime; but I would have
waited twice twenty for this hour, Prudence."
"I wish I deserved my happiness as much as you do yours, John."
"Perhaps you haven't as much to deserve."
"I'm glad I don't deserve it. I want it to be all God's gift and his
goodness."
"It is, dear."
"I wish we might take Marjorie with us," she said, after a moment; "she
would have such an unalloyed good time."
"Any one else?"
"Mrs. Kemlo."
"Is that all?"
"There's Deborah."
"Prudence, you ought to be satisfied with me. You don't know how to be
married."
"Suppose I wait twenty years longer and learn."
"No, it is like learning to swim; the best way is to plunge at once. And
at once will be in about twenty minutes, instead of twenty years."
"What do you mean?" she asked, standing still in unfeigned astonishment.
"I mean that your neighbor across the way has been invited to call at
half past six this evening to marry me, and I supposed you were willing
to be married at the same time."
"John Holmes!"
"Do you want to send me off again?"
"But I never thought of such a thing.
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