Carnac, don't be a
bigger fool than there's any need to be. What is better than that John
Grier's business should be in Tarboe's hands--or in yours? Remember,
John Grier might have left it all to your mother, and, if he had, you'd
have taken it, if she had left it to you. You'd have taken it even if
you meant to give it away afterwards. There are hospitals to build.
There are good and costly things to do for the State."
Suddenly she saw in his eyes a curious soft understanding, and she put
her hand on his shoulder. "Carnac," she said gently, "great, great
Carnac, won't you love me?"
For an instant he felt he must still put her from him, then he clasped
her to his breast.
"But I really had to throw myself into your arms!" she said later.
CHAPTER XXXII
"HALVES, PARDNER, HALVES"
It was Thanksgiving Day, and all the people of the Province were en fete.
The day was clear, and the air was thrilling with the spirits of the
north country; the vibrant sting of oxygen, the blessed resilience of the
river and the hills.
It was a great day on the St. Lawrence, for men were preparing to go to
the backwoods, to the "shanties," and hosts were busy with the crops,
storing them; while all in trade and industry were cheerful. There was a
real benedicite in the air. In every church. Catholic and Protestant,
hands of devoted workers had made beautiful altar and communion table,
and lectern and pulpit, and in the Methodist chapel and the Presbyterian
kirk, women had made the bare interiors ornate.
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