CHAPTER XXIII

oughtheoughtto—becausehewassorryforme.Hewasn’tbad—buthewassoyoung—andwhatwasIthatheshouldkeeponlovingme?” “Nevermindmakingexcusesforhim,”saidValancyabitshortly.“Soyouwouldn’tmarryhim?” “Icouldn’t—notwhenhedidn’tlovemeanymore.Somehow—Ican’texplain—itseemedaworsethingtodothan—theother.He—hearguedalittle—buthewentaway.DoyouthinkIdidright,Valancy?” “Yes,Ido.Youdidright.Buthe——” “Don’tblamehim,dear.Pleasedon’t.Let’snottalkabouthimatall.There’snoneed.Iwantedtotellyouhowitwas—Ididn’twantyoutothinkmebad——” “Ineverdidthinkso.” “Yes,Ifeltthat—wheneveryoucame.Oh,Valancy,whatyou’vebeentome!Icannevertellyou—butGodwillblessyouforit.IknowHewill—‘withwhatmeasureyemete.’” CissysobbedforafewminutesinValancy’sarms.Thenshewipedhereyes. “Well,that’salmostall.Icamehome.Iwasn’treallysoveryunhappy.IsupposeIshouldhavebeen—butIwasn’t.Fatherwasn’thardonme.Andmybabywassosweetwhilehelived.Iwasevenhappy—Ilo