The bee hunter was the only one ofthe Denmeades who
had not wondrously benefited by her work. She could notsee that dancing held any
sentimental opportunities for these youngpeople.
Edd, I respect you for that, replied Lucy
earnestly. Lucy, refusing, waspersuaded to drink a cup of coffee. And a drowsy
murmuring hummade music down by-the shady stream.
Denmeade, it seemed toLucy that she had allowed her
impulsiveness and resentment to carry heraway. Wont it look strange if you dont
dance withme? It must be made so that it was no longercomplex. Ive had enough dancin
an gettin even ancrawlin of these here corn-huskers to last for ever. To think after
scorning yourlove and advice Id come crawling on my knees to you.
Wal, dont worry, Ill shore never do it
again.
Denmeade wore a laconicmask, transparent to any
observer. Once in the whirling maze of flushed faces Lucy found herself lookingright
into Sadie Purdues eyes.
Bud just bragged about peepin through thecracks of
the shed back of the schoolhouse. Then and then only did it seem to dawn upon him
that there was somethingwrong with his mind.
This fall of Edds was taking thesweetness out of
her success. She was accepting Claras changed attitude toward life as an augury
ofhope for the future. Denmeade, I think I can catch the step, said
Lucy.
Lucy could not have endured any onekind of riding
for very long.
Still, she was to ascertain that Edd showed
nothought of holding her closely.
If you mention marriage againIll give up my work
here and leave.
Sam Johnsonclaimed her for the next dance. Dearest
Lucy,I came back from Mendino to find you gone.
Wal, reckon I could have stood that, he
replied.
Edd, I cannot marry you, she replied gravely. Lucy
could not take unadulterated pride and joy in hersuccess.
Herresponse was impulsive, loving, complete, with
never a word of reproach.