I'm groping.
Perhaps I'll see my way some day and can follow. But just as there's a
cure for ignorance, so there's a cure for hearts, maybe. Your friend,
CLARE."
Harlan looked over the edge of the paper into the twinkling little eyes
of the father. Mr. Kavanagh seemed to be getting much satisfaction from
the expression on his victim's face.
"Can't you tell me what this means, Mr. Kavanagh? I beg of you humbly,
and in all sincerity."
"The Kavanaghs are never backward in politeness, Mr. Harlan Thornton. It
means that my girl is done playing child and riding cock-horse. She's off
to learn to be the finest and knowingest lady in all the land--she's off
because she wanted to go, and she's got all of Dennis Kavanagh's fat
wallet behind her!" He slapped his breast-pocket.
"Off where?"
"Where they know things and teach things better than they do over in
your Yankeeland of airs and frills. And now good-day to ye!"
He climbed the porch steps, and relighted his pipe, gazing with much
relish past the flame of the match, studying Harlan's dismay.
Pages:
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401