Dearest, Dearest Jim—I yield the whole case. You are right.It is to my shame that clear-sightedness came from no source within me, but from a brave example set.My little cousin married the manshe loved last week, and, of course, Miss Anne was a high functionary.Oh, what a stirring there was in me, Jim, watching them and thinking of you!They will be as poor as church mice, but they do not care, and theirs is the wise economy.Life is too short to waste, Jim, I see it now. I put it all in your hands, dearest; if you can not come to me, I shall come to you.I believe I’m only lukewarm by habit, not by nature.I wish I could tell you how sorry I am for the time I have squandered.I’ll show you, that will be better.Any time, or any place and no conditions now, Jim. That’s all, my dear brave lover. Good night.Your own,Anne.
Dearest, Dearest Jim—I yield the whole case. You are right.
It is to my shame that clear-sightedness came from no source within me, but from a brave example set.
My little cousin married the manshe loved last week, and, of course, Miss Anne was a high functionary.
Oh, what a stirring there was in me, Jim, watching them and thinking of you!
They will be as poor as church mice, but they do not care, and theirs is the wise economy.
Life is too short to waste, Jim, I see it now. I put it all in your hands, dearest; if you can not come to me, I shall come to you.
I believe I’m only lukewarm by habit, not by nature.
I wish I could tell you how sorry I am for the time I have squandered.
I’ll show you, that will be better.
Any time, or any place and no conditions now, Jim. That’s all, my dear brave lover. Good night.
Your own,Anne.
He was sitting bolt upright. Once more he devoured the letter. Then he sank back and closed his eyes.
“Thank you, my darling, I can rest now,” he said.
The golden sunset light played in riotous joyousness on the cabin walls; the little creek laughed out loud; so did Ches and Bud, approaching the cabin. It was a beautiful and happy world.