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Bates, Arlo, 1850-1918

"The Puritans"

It was part of my caring
for him. It would have hurt him so much if I hadn't, that of course I
had to."
Mrs. Staggchase regarded him keenly. He turned away his eyes, thinking
of his friend and of the wide gulf which had opened between them, so
that he but half heard and did not understand the comment she made
softly.
"The _ewigweibliche_ in masculine shape," she murmured, smiling to
herself. "When the real came, it couldn't hold its power any longer."
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing. I was speaking in riddles. To come back to business,--you say
you've decided upon the law."
"Yes. That was always my choice. I read a good deal of law while I was
in college. It wasn't till I graduated two years ago that I fell into
theology. It's two years wasted."
"Oh, perhaps, and perhaps not. After all, experience in youth is
generally worth what it costs, little as we think so when we pay the
price. Well, then, you can easily live on your income if you choose.
Mr. Staggchase and I will be glad to have you make this your home,
and"--
"But, Cousin Diana," he interrupted in astonishment, "there is
certainly no reason why you should burden yourself with me.


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