It means toleration for views and opinions diametrically
opposed to our most cherished convictions. It means, of necessity,
the abandonment of many habits and indulgences that however trivial
have grown to be important to us. It means the shaping of our own
desires to the needs of others; the acceptance often of surroundings
and conditions personally distasteful to us. It means affection deep
and strong enough to bear away the ugly things of life--its quarrels,
wrongs, misunderstandings--swiftly and silently into the sea of
forgetfulness. It means courage, good humour, commonsense."
"That is what I am saying," explained Robina. "It means loving him
even when he's naughty."
Dick came across the fields. Robina rose and slipped into the house.
"You are looking mighty solemn, Dad," said Dick.
"Thinking of Life, Dick," I confessed. "Of the meaning and the
explanation of it."
"Yes, it's a problem, Life," admitted Dick.
"A bit of a teaser," I agreed.
We smoked in silence for awhile.
"Loving a good woman must be a tremendous help to a man," said Dick.
He looked very handsome, very gallant, his boyish face flashing
challenge to the Fates.
"Tremendous, Dick," I agreed.
Robina called to him that his supper was ready. He knocked the ashes
from his pipe, and followed her into the house. Their laughing
voices came to me broken through the half-closed doors. From the
night around me rose a strange low murmur.
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