"I thought so. Well, you know, Jim, it would
just wear her all out, as young as that, to be obliged
to think about her trousseau and housekeeping and
going to school, too."
"I know it," said Jim, with a pleased air. "I
thought I was right, mother."
"Entirely right; and you, too, really ought to
finish school, and take up a profession or a busi-
ness, before you say anything definite. You would
want a nice home for the dear little thing, you
know that, Jim."
Jim stared at his mother out of his white pillow.
"I thought I would stay with you, and she would
stay with her father until we were both very much
older," said he. "She has a nice home now, you
know, mother."
Sally Patterson's mouth twitched a little, but she
spoke quite gravely and reasonably. "Yes, that is
very true," said she; "still, I do think you are wise
to wait, Jim."
When Sally Patterson had left Jim, she looked in
on the rector in his study. "Our son is thinking
seriously of marrying, Edward," said she.
The rector stared at her. She had shut the door,
and she laughed.
"He is very discreet. He has consulted me as to
my approval of her as daughter and announced his
intention to wait a little while."
The rector laughed; then he wrinkled his forehead
uneasily. "I don't like the little chap getting such
ideas," said he.
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