“What caused it?�
“Well, there’s a point I don’t like to speak of.�
“Don’t mention it, then. Please forgive me for asking.�
“After all, it doesn’t matter, seeing there are no strangers here;� and Uncle Jerry lowered his voice and looked inquiringly toward the doors.
“There is no one except ourselves within hearing,� said Mrs. Wycliff, reassuringly.
“It was years ago, but after you left the hills,� continued Uncle Jerry, in a low voice. “Pet,—that’s what we called her,—was gay as a bird till then. Pet got acquainted with a fine young man up in the country,—a fine fellow he was every way. I’d say that if ’twas the last thing I was to say in this world. Never a likelier fellow ever grew up on the hills, if I do say it. Well, he took a liking to our Pet, and I guess there was as much love on Pet’s part as on his.�
Uncle Jerry paused. After a little Mrs. Wycliff ventured to ask:
“Why didn’t they marry?�
“Well, you see,—� and Uncle Jerry’s voice dropped lower still. “I said he was as fine a fellow as ever grew up on the hills, and I wouldn’t take it back if it was to be the last thing I ever said, but—he was a Protestant.� Uncle Jerry was silent a few moments.
“Looking back now, it seems to me that we were both, Pet’s mother and I, willing to ruin Pet for life rather than have her marry a Protestant. While I cannot say positively that this is the reason for Pet’s long sickness, yet of one thing I am certain—she has not been like her former self since that time.�