I--we
will understand. You have too much at stake. You--"
He interrupted. "Miss Farwell, I don't know what you think of me that
you can say these things. I had hoped that you were beginning to look
upon me as a man, not merely as a preacher. I had even dared think that
our friendship was growing to be something more than just a little
friendly acquaintance. If I am mistaken, I will stay on the other side
of the fence. If I am right--if you do care for my friendship," he
finished slowly, "I will try to serve my people faithfully, but I will
not willingly shape my life by their foolish, wicked whims. Denny's
garden may get along without me, and you may not need what you call 'our
little friendship' but I need Denny's garden, and--I need you."
Her face shone with gladness. "Forgive me," she said. "I only wished to
be sure that you understood some things clearly."
At her rather vague words, he said, "I am beginning to understand a good
many things."
"And understanding, you will still come to--" she smiled, "to work in
Denny's garden?"
"Yes," he answered with a boyish laugh, "just as if there were no other
place in all the world where I could get a job."
She watched him as he swung down the walk, through the gate and away up
the street under the big trees.
And as she watched him, she recalled his words, "I need you;--just as
though there were no other place in all the world." The words repeated
themselves in her mind.
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