Page:Emily Climbs.pdf/317

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
APRIL LOVE
305

in my Jimmy-book as it should have happened. I find I am beginning to overcome my old difficulty of getting my dream people to make love fluently. In my imaginary account both Perry and I talked bee-yew-tifully.

“I think Perry really felt a little worse than Andrew did, and I felt sorry about it. I do like Perry so much as a chum and friend. I hate to disappoint him, but I know he will soon get over it.

“So I'll be the only one left at Blair Water next year. I don’t know how I'll feel about that. I dare say I'll feel a little flat by times—perhaps at three o’ the night I'll wish I had gone with Miss Royal. But I’m going to settle down to hard, serious work. It’s a long climb to the crest of the Alpine Path.

“But I believe in myself, and there is always my world behind the curtain.

· · · · · · ·

“New Moon, “June 21, 19—

“As soon as I arrived home tonight I felt a decided atmosphere of disapproval, and realised that Aunt Elizabeth knew all about Andrew. She was angry and Aunt Laura was sorry; but nobody has said anything. At twilight I talked it over in the garden with Cousin Jimmy. Andrew, it seems, has been feeling quite badly since the numbness of shock wore off. His appetite has failed; and Aunt Addie indignantly wants to know if I expect to marry a prince or a millionaire since her son is not good enough for me.

“Cousin Jimmy thinks I did perfectly right. Cousin Jimmy would think I had done perfectly right if I had murdered Andrew and buried him in the Land of Uprightness. It’s very nice to have one friend like that, though too many wouldn’t be good for you.

· · · · · · ·

“June 22, 19—

“I don’t know which is worse—to have somebody you