"Yes, I do wish it, because I think it will be best for you," I
replied, without looking at her. "You must marry some time,
Betty, and Frank is the only man I know to whom I could trust
you. As your guardian, I have an interest in seeing you well and
wisely settled for life. You have always taken my advice and
obeyed my wishes; and you've always found my way the best, in
the long run, haven't you, Betty? You won't prove rebellious
now, I'm sure. You know quite well that I am advising you for
your own good. Frank is a splendid young fellow, who loves you
with all his heart. Marry him, Betty. Mind, I don't COMMAND. I
have no right to do that, and you are too old to be ordered
about, if I had. But I wish and advise it. Isn't that enough,
Betty?"
I had been looking away from her all the time I was talking,
gazing determinedly down a sunlit vista of pines. Every word I
said seemed to tear my heart, and come from my lips stained with
life-blood. Yes, Betty should marry Frank! But, good God, what
would become of me!
Betty left her station under the pine tree, and walked around me
until she got right in front of my face. I couldn't help looking
at her, for if I moved my eyes she moved too. There was nothing
meek or submissive about her; her head was held high, her eyes
were blazing, and her cheeks were crimson. But her words were
meek enough.
"I will marry Frank if you wish it, Stephen," she said.
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