In this damnable war my faith in
men has been badly shaken up. Humanity seems to me still a child--a child
who needs to go to school. God knows we need men and women like you--and
I'm proud of all you've accomplished, I'd be the last man to hold you back.
I only want to help you go on--by seeing to it that you are free--from
anything which can hinder you." He stopped again for a moment.
"To begin with," he said, "I understand you're not going to marry Allan
Baird." She stirred slightly:
"Did he tell you so?"
"Yes--I asked him," Roger replied. "I had Allan here a few nights ago, and
he told me you had decided to give up your happiness for the sake of all
those children in that big family of yours. You felt you must keep yourself
free for them. Very well, if that is your decision I propose to clear the
way." She looked intently up at his face. "You're not free now," he
continued. "We have Edith and her children here. And I'm growing old--that
has got to be thought of--I don't want to leave them on your hands. So as
soon as the baby is well enough, I'm going to move them up to the
mountains--not only for the summer--they are to stay the whole year
'round. From this time on they're to make it their home."
"Father! But they can't do that! Think of the winters!" Deborah cried.
"It's already settled," he answered. "I've talked to Edith and she has
agreed. She has always loved the farm, and it will be good for her
children.
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