In Red and Gold

“Hui, dear,” he said now – very quietly, but directly, “this is a difficult situation for both of us. The only thing, of course, is to meet it as frankly as we can. I learned to love your father – ”

She glanced up at this; her eyes glistened as the light caught them.

“ – but we can not blindly follow his wishes. He had seen and felt the West, but he died a Manchu.”

Her soft lips framed the one word, “Yes.” The softness of her whole face, indeed, was disconcerting; it was all sober emotion, that she plainly didn’t think of trying to hide.

“And I’m sure you’ll understand me when I tell you that I can not accept his legacy.”

She startled him now with the low but direct question: “Why not?”

“My dear…” He found difficulty in going on.

“I don’ know what I ought ‘o say.” He barely heard this; stopped a little. “I don’ know wha’ to do.”

“Can’t you, dear – isn’t there some clear vision in your heart – don’t you see your way ahead? Remember, you will always have me to help – if I can help. It will mean everything to me to be your dearest friend.”

“I want ‘o work with you,” she murmured.

“I haven’t dared believe that possible,” he said thoughtfully.

“Do you wan’ me to?”

“Yes. But it has to be clearer than that.” He was stupid again; he sensed it himself. “There is so much of life ahead of you. It’s got to be clear that wherever your heart may lead you, child – that you shall have my steady friendship. The rest of it can grow as it may.”

“I wan’…” He couldn’t make out the words; he bent down close to her lovely face. “I want ‘o marry you.”

They both stood breathless then. Timidly her hand crept into his and nestled there.

“Tha’s the trouble” – her voice was a very little stronger – “there isn’ anything else. It’s ever’thing you think an’ do – ever’thing you believe. We’re both between the worl’s, so…”

The noise in his brain was like the pealing of cathedral bells at Christmas time. Yet in this rush of ecstatic feeling he suddenly saw clearly. The fabric of their companionship had hardly begun weaving. All his experience, his delicacy, his fine human skill, must be employed here. Ahead lay happiness! It was still nearly incredible… And there lay – extending before them in a long vista – their intense common interest. The thing was to make a fine success of it. Build through the years.

And happiness was greatly important. He had so nearly missed it… Looking up through the branches of the old tree, he smiled.

Then he led her into the house.

“Have you had your talk already?” asked Mrs. Withery pleasantly.

“We’ve settled everything,” said Doane. “We’re going to be married.”

“Very soon,” said Hui Fei.