Веснянки
Chapter XX
Finally,IwantedustotakeatripthroughEuropeandcleararoundthecircletogether.”
“Andthenwhat?”queriedFrecklesbreathlessly.
“Why,then,”saidMcLean,“youknowthatmyheartishopelesslyinthewoods.Ineverwillquitthetimberbusinesswhilethereistimbertohandleandbreathinmybody.Ithoughtifyoudidn’tmakeaprofessionofmusic,andhadanyinclinationmyway,wewouldstretchthepartnershiponemoreandtakeyouintothefirm,placingyourworkwithme.Thoseplansmaysoundjumbledinthetelling,buttheyhavegrownsteadilyonme,Freckles,asyouhavegrowndeartome.”
FrecklesliftedanxiousandeagereyestoMcLean.
“Youtoldmeonceonthetrail,andagainwhenwethoughtthatIwasdying,thatyoulovedme.Dothesethingsthathavecometomemakeanydifferenceinanywaywithyourfeeingtowardme?”
“None,”saidMcLean.“Howcouldthey,Freckles?Nothingcouldmakemeloveyoumore,andyouneverwilldoanythingthatwillmakemeloveyouless.”
“GlorybetoGod!”criedFreckles.“GlorytotheAlmighty!HurryandbetellingyourmotherI’mcoming!JustassoonasIcangetonmefeetI’llbetakingthatringtomeAngel,andthenI’llgotoGrandRapidsandbemakingmestartjustasyouplanned,onlythatIcanbepayingmeownway.WhenI’meducatedenough,we’llall—theAngelandherfather,theBirdWoman,you,andme—allofuswillgotogetherandseemehouseandmerelationsandbetakingthattrip.
