THE BLOOM OF LIFE--LOVE
Doris flew to the study. Uncle Winthrop's eyes were bent on his book and
his face partly turned aside. He had been making a brave fight. A man of
a less fine strain of honor would not have answered the brave young
lover as he had done. He could not have answered him thus if he had not
liked Henri de la Maur so well, and loved Doris with such singleness of
heart.
He heard her step and put out his hand without moving. His tone was very
low.
"Is it--France?"
"France! Oh, Uncle Win! When I belong to you and Boston?"
Her arms were around his neck. His heart, his whole body, seemed to give
one great throb of joy as he drew her down to his knee. There had been
only one other experience in life as sweet.
"And you would have sent me away!" with a soft, broken upbraiding in
which love was uppermost.
"No, child, no. God forbid, Doris, now that you are _not_ going, I will
confess--I think I should have died before the parting came. But, my
little girl, I must say this in memory of two sweet years of wedded
life--there is no happiness comparable to it. And to accept your youth,
your golden period that never dawns but once on any human being, to
gladden my declining years would be a selfish sin. I once had a
dream--but it came to naught"--he drew a long breath as if the
remembrance pained him. "You must be quite free, dear, to love and to
marry. All these years with you have been so precious, but sometime I
shall go my way, and I could not bear the thought of your being left
alone!"
"I shall stay with you. I--there can never be any home like this--any
love like yours----"
The hall door opened and shut slowly. That was Cary's step. She could
not meet him here. She kissed Uncle Win vehemently and flashed past the
young man standing there almost in the doorway with a white, strained
face. The great armchair was in her way and she half stumbled over it.
Then some other arms caught her and she had no strength to struggle. Did
she want to?
"Doris! Doris! Was it true what you said just now--that no home could be
like this, and your love for him, which has been that of a tender
daughter--his love for you--is there room for another regard still? for,
Doris, I love you! I want you. I have been wild and jealous since I have
suspected, since I have really known or guessed your cousin's
intentions. I did not suspect at first--there were Betty and Eudora--and
an old regard waiting for you, but now I can think of only one thing,
that has been in my mind day and night for the last fortnight, that I
love you as well as the others; only it seems a small and ignoble matter
to appeal to your affection for my father and the old home. But I want
your love, your sweetness, your precious faith, the trust of your coming
womanhood, your own sweet self. I'm not a handsome fellow like Captain
Hawthorne, nor accomplished like De la Maur, but I shall love you to my
life's end, Doris!"
They sat down on the step of the old staircase and he could feel the
tremble in every pulse of her slim young figure. Was it the strange
mystery that had come to her half an hour ago in the parlor opposite, a
something that was not knowledge, but a vague consciousness that there
was a person in the world who could say the words that would thrill her
with delight instead of bringing sorrow and regret!
"All that is a very illogical and incoherent presentation. I must do
better when I come to argue my first case," and he gave a joyous little
laugh. For he knew if Doris meant to say him "Nay," she would not let
her head droop on his shoulder, or yield to the clasp of his arm. And
suddenly his soul was filled with infinite pity for Hawthorne,
and--yes--he felt sorry for De la Maur.
"Doris--is it a little for my own sake?"
A breath of happy content swept over her like a summer wind coming from
some mysterious world.
"You have been an angel of comfort to both of us. I don't know what I
should have done in that unhappy time if it had not been for you. But
Hawthorne's regard made it a point of honor with me. Could you have
loved him, Doris? He is such a fine fellow."
He noted the little shrinking, he was holding her so close.
"Not in that way," and her reply was a soft whisper.
"Thank Heaven! But I want to hear you say--oh, my darling, I want the
assurance that I shall be dear to you, that it is not all because----"
"I should stay for Uncle Win's sake. I think Miss Recompense finds a
great many sources of happiness in a single life. But if I promised you,
it would be because--because--I loved you."
"Then promise me," he cried enraptured. "I love you dearly, if I haven't
been much of a lover. I have said to myself that I was waiting for
Hawthorne's five years to end, or to do something worthy of you. And
now, Doris, I know what fighting means, and I would fight to the death
for you. I am afraid I shall be selfish and exigent to the last degree."
He felt the delicate revelation in the warmth of her cheek, the tremble
of the soft hands, the relaxation of her whole body. And a kind of
solemn exultation filled his soul. Except the youthful episode with
Alice Royall, he had never sincerely cared for any woman, and he was
very glad he could give Doris the first offering of a man's love as he
understood it now.
And then for a long while neither spoke, except in kisses--love's own
language. Every moment the mystery seemed to grow upon Doris, to unfold
as well, to pass the line of girlhood, to accept the crown of a woman's
life. It had been very simply sweet. Some other woman might have made a
rather tragic episode of her two lovers. Doris pitied them sincerely,
but they both had the deepest sympathy from Cary Adams.
"Let us go to him," Cary exclaimed presently, rising, with his arm still
about her.
There were two wax candles burning in their sconces that had been made
over forty years ago in Paul Revere's foundry. By the softened light
Cary glanced at the flushed face, downcast eyes and dewy, tremulous
lips. Half the sweet story was still untold, but there would be years
and years. Oh, Heaven grant they might have them together! And at this
instant he was filled with a profound sympathy for his father's loss and
lonely life.
They walked slowly through the hall and paused a moment in the doorway.
Winthrop Adams was leaning his head on his hand, and the lamp a little
at the side threw up his thin, finely cut features, as if they had been
done in marble, and he was almost as pale. The exultation went out of
the soul of the young lover, and a rush of tenderness such as he had
never experienced before swept through him.
"Father," he said softly, touching him on the shoulder, "father--will
you give me Doris, for your claim is first? Will you accept me as her
lover, sometime to be her husband, always to be your son, and your
daughter?"
Winthrop Adams rose half-bewildered. Had the secret hope of his soul
unfolded in blessed fruition? He looked from one to the other, then his
glance rested on his son--their eyes met, and in that instant they came
to know each other as they never had before, to understand, to
comprehend all that was in the tie of nature. He laid one hand on his
son's shoulder, the other clasped the slim virginal figure, no longer a
little girl, but whose girlhood and affectionate devotion would always
fill both hearts.
"Doris, my child--you are quite sure----" He could not have his son
defrauded of any sweetness.
Doris raised her downcast eyes and smiled, while the pink flush was like
a rosy gleam of sunrise. Then she laid her hand over both of the others'
in a tender, caressing fashion. But she was too deeply moved for words.
Winthrop Adams kissed her fair brow, but her lover kissed her on the
sweet, rosy lips.
They announced the engagement almost at once. It was done partly for De
la Maur's sake, though after the first he took it quite philosophically.
There were three people supremely happy over it. Miss Recompense, Madam
Royall,--who declared she would have been disappointed in Providence if
it had been any other way,--and Cousin Betty, who was happy as a queen
in her own life, though why we should make royalty a synonym for
happiness I do not know.
"You never could have left Uncle Win," wrote Betty, "and Cary could not
have gone away, neither could he have brought home a strange woman. This
was the only satisfactory ending. But I hope you will be awfully in
love with each other and sweet--and silly and all that. I am sorry for
Captain Hawthorne, for, Doris, he loved you sincerely, but your French
cousin can console himself with an English rhyme:
"'If she be not fair for me,
What care I how fair she be?'"
And oddly enough a few months later he did console himself with Eudora
Chapman.
Just a few years afterward there was a great time in Boston. For she had
adopted a charter and become a real city, after long and earnest
discussion. There was a grand celebration and no end of dinners, and
young Cary Adams made one of the addresses. Mr. Winthrop Adams insisted
that his life work was done, but he lived to be interested in many more
improvements, and some charming grandchildren.
"But after all," Doris would declare, "splendid as it is going to be, I
am glad to belong to Old Boston with her lanes and byways and rough
hills and marsh lands, with their billowy grasses and wild flowers, and
great gardens full of fruit trees, and the little old shops and people
sitting on front stoops sewing or reading or chatting cozily. And what a
pleasure it will be by and by to tell the children that I was a little
girl in Old Boston."
THE END.
* * * * *
Other Books Published by A. L. BURT COMPANY
* * * * *
The "Little Girl" Series
By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS
A Little Girl in Old New York
A Little Girl of Long Ago
A sequel to "A Little Girl in Old New York"
A Little Girl in Old Boston
A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia
A Little Girl in Old Washington
A Little Girl in Old New Orleans
A Little Girl in Old Detroit
A Little Girl in Old St. Louis
A Little Girl in Old Chicago
A Little Girl in Old San Francisco
A Little Girl in Old Quebec
A Little Girl in Old Baltimore
A Little Girl in Old Salem
A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg
* * * * *
The Camp Fire Girls Series
By HILDEGARD G. FREY.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The Winnebagos go Camping.
This lively Camp Fire group and their Guardian go back to Nature in
a camp in the wilds of Maine and pile up more adventures in one
summer than they have had in all their previous vacations put
together.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo Weavers.
How these seven live wire girls strive to infuse into their school
life the spirit of Work, Health and Love and yet manage to get into
more than their share of mischief, is told in this story.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic Garden.
Migwan is determined to go to college, and not being strong enough
to work indoors earns the money by raising fruits and vegetables.
The Winnebagos all turn a hand to help the cause along and the
"goingson" at Onoway House that summer make the foundation shake
with laughter.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road That Leads the Way.
In which the Winnebagos take a thousand mile auto trip.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS' LARKS AND PRANKS; or, The House of the Open Door.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON ELLEN'S ISLE; or, The Trail of the Seven Cedars.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON THE OPEN ROAD; or, Glorify Work.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS DO THEIR BIT; or, Over the Top with the Winnebagos.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS SOLVE A MYSTERY; or, The Christmas Adventure at
Carver House.
THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT CAMP KEEWAYDIN; or, Down Paddles.
* * * * *
The Girl Chums Series
A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and full
of interest. Their simplicity tenderness, healthy, interesting motives
vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl readers.
BENHURST, CLUB, THE. By Howe Benning.
BERTHA'S SUMMER BOARDERS. By Linnie S. Harris
BILLOW PRAIRIE. A Story of Life in the Great West By Joy Allison.
DUXBERRY DOINGS. A New England Story. By Caroline B. Le Row.
FUSSBUDGET'S FOLKS. A Story For Young Girls. By Anna F. Burnham.
HAPPY DISCIPLINE, A. By Elizabeth Cummings.
JOLLY TEN, THE; and Their Year of Stories. By Agnes Carr Sage.
KATIE ROBERTSON. A Girl's Story of Factory Life By M. E. Winslow.
LONELY HILL. A Story For Girls. By M. L. Thornton-Wilder.
MAJORIBANKS. A Girl's Story. By Elvirton Wright.
MISS CHARITY'S HOUSE. By Howe Benning.
MISS ELLIOT'S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls. By Mary Spring Corning.
MISS MALCOLM'S TEN. A Story For Girls. By Margaret E. Winslow.
ONE GIRL'S WAY OUT. By Howe Benning.
PEN'S VENTURE. By Elvirton Wright.
RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls. By Marion Thorne.
THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School Life. By M. E. Winslow.
* * * * *
The Girl Comrade's Series
A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and full
of interest. Their simplicity tenderness, healthy, interesting motives,
vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl readers.
A BACHELOR MAID AND HER BROTHER. By I. T. Thurston.
ALL ABOARD. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
ALMOST A GENIUS. A Story For Girls. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
ANNICE WYNKOOP, Artist. Story of a Country Girl. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
BUBBLES. A Girl's Story. By Fannie E. Newberry.
COMRADES. By Fannie E. Newberry.
DEANE GIRLS, THE. A Home Story. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
HELEN BEATON, COLLEGE WOMAN. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
JOYCE'S INVESTMENTS. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
MELLICENT RAYMOND. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
MISS ASHTON'S NEW PUPIL. A School Girl's Story. By Mrs. S. S. Robbins.
NOT FOR PROFIT. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
ODD ONE, THE. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
SARA, A PRINCESS. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
* * * * *
The Blue Grass Seminary Girls Series
By CAROLYN JUDSON BURNETT
_Splendid Stories of the Adventures of a Group of Charming Girls_
THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' VACATION ADVENTURES;
or, Shirley Willing to the Rescue.
THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS;
or, A Four Weeks' Tour with the Glee Club.
THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS IN THE MOUNTAINS;
or, Shirley Willing on a Mission of Peace.
THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS ON THE WATER;
or, Exciting Adventures on a Summer's Cruise Through the Panama Canal.
* * * * *
THE MILDRED SERIES
By MARTHA FINLEY
_A Companion Series to the famous "Elsie" Books by the Same Author_
MILDRED KEITH
MILDRED AT ROSELANDS
MILDRED AND ELSIE
MILDRED'S MARRIED LIFE
MILDRED AT HOME
MILDRED'S BOYS AND GIRLS
MILDRED'S NEW DAUGHTER