Page:Emily Climbs.pdf/316

“‘I hope you don’t go farther and fare worse,’ said Aunt Ruth ominously—meaning, as I knew, Stovepipe Town. I could have reassured Aunt Ruth on that point, also, had I chosen. Last week Perry came to tell me that he is going into Mr. Abel’s office in Charlottetown to study law. It’s a splendid chance for him. Mr. Abel heard his speech the night of the inter-school debate and has had his eye on him ever since, I understand. I congratulated him heartily. I really was delighted.

“‘He'll give me enough to pay my board,’ said Perry, ‘and I guess I can rustle my clothes on some side line. I’ve got to hoe my own row. Aunt Tom won't help me. You know why.’

“‘I’m sorry, Perry,’ I said, laughing a little.

“‘Won't you, Emily?’ he said. ‘I’d like this thing settled.’

“‘It is settled,’ I said.

“‘I suppose I’ve made an awful ass of myself about you,’ grumbled Perry.

“‘You have,’ I said comfortingly—but still laughingly.

Somehow I’ve never been able to take Perry seriously any more than Andrew. I’ve always got the feeling that he just imagines he’s in love with me.

“‘You won’t get a cleverer man than me in a hurry,’ warned Perry. ‘I’m going to climb high.’

“‘I’m sure you will,’ I said warmly, ‘and nobody will be more pleased than your friend, Emily B.’

“‘Oh, friends,’ said Perry sulkily. ‘It’s not for a friend I want you. But I’ve always heard it was no use to coax a Murray. Will you tell me one thing? It isn’t my funeral—but are you going to marry Andrew Murray?’

“‘It isn’t your funeral—but I’m not,’ I said.

“‘Well,’ said Perry, as he went out, ‘if you ever change your mind, let me know. It will be all right—if I haven't changed mine.’

“I have written the account of this exactly as it happened. But—I have also written another account of it