“She said—plain enough—”
“Yes, I know that. Maimie is perfectly simple and free in heart. She likes you as a brother, and no more. My dear Jack, think of her age and yours.”
“She isn’t a child.”
“You are both children,” I said. “But if you think not,—then be a man, and have patience.”
“But Cress—”
“Cress does not care for Maimie as you do. It is a mere fancy on his part. And Maimie will never care for Cress. She does not admire his character.”
“She doesn’t admire my stupidity, mother.”
“Then don’t be stupid!”
Jack stared at me. “I can’t make myself clever.”
“You can make the most of what brains you have,” I said. “I hoped Maimie herself had taught you that lesson. People with only one talent are a great deal too fond of hiding it away underground, merely because it isn’t five or ten talents.”