"I like Donald's way best. There is no shilly-shallying with Donald. I like a definite 'Yes' and 'No' in answer to important questions."
"Women cannot get into passions and say unladylike words, especially to their fathers. You taught me that yourself. 'Exceed in nothing. Be moderate in all things.' These were among your regular advices."
"All right. Moderation is a very respectable word. I wish you would apply it to the subject of letters."
"You are cross with me, Aunt, and without any reason."
"Reason enough when I see you worrying yourself—and me, also—about the coming of a letter from your lover; and caring nothing about the going away—perhaps forever—of your own brother. Kin is closer than all other ties—ever and always, blood is thicker than water."
Then Marion was angry. "I am glad I was respectful and moderate with Father," she said haughtily. "He is the best and greatest of men. He is the Minister of God. I cannot be too respectful. I intend——"
"To marry Allan Reid and send away Richard Cramer. Good girl! I wish you joy of your choice—such as it is."
For six days the partial estrangement lasted, but Marion and her father seemed to enjoy the interval. They were much together, and Mrs. Caird was frequently startled by the Minister's hearty laugh over some of Marion's observations, and once by his actually joining her in singing that tender little love song, "My Love's in Germany."
"My love's in Germany,
Send him hame! Send him hame!
My love's in Germany,
Fighting for loyalty,
He may ne'er his Jeannie see,
Send him hame! Send him hame!"
The enthralling longing and sweetness of this melody doubtless echoed the dearest wish of both hearts; for, if Marion was watching for Richard Cramer, the Minister had an equal fervor of desire for his beautiful Ada.