I've said good-bye to my dreams of life--the floating and waving
and singing and dancing life that was like iced champagne. I'd rather
have cold water, thank you, sir, for a steady drink, morning, noon and
night. I'm going to be good, to read and study and grow restful,"--and
Mae folded her hands and looked off toward the sea. "She's a witching
child," thought Norman. Then she raised her head. "I said it lightly
because I felt it deeply," she added, as if in reply to his thought. "I
am going to grow, if I can, unselfish and sympathetic, and perhaps, who
knows, wise, and any way good."
"There is no need of giving up your champagne entirely. Give yourself
a dinner party now and then o' holidays. The world is full of color and
beauty, and poetry you love. All study is full of it--most of all it
lives in humanity."
"Well," said Mae, "aren't you glad I'm going to change so?"
"I'm glad you're going to give your soul a chance. Your body has been
putting it down hard of late."
"It's but a weakling," said Mae, with a shake of her head, "and I've
hardly heard its whimpers at all, but--O, Mr.
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