JIM FINDS SARA AND PEN
"Since time began Indians have climbed my back and have cried their joys and sorrows to the sky. I wonder who has heard!"
Musings of the Elephant.
Mr. Dennis laughed. He still was holding Jim's hand "May I ask her?" he said to Jim.
Jim nodded, though his eyes were startled. Suddenly Mr. Dennis dropped Jim's hand and threw his arm across the boy's shoulders. The two stood facing Mrs. Manning.
"Mrs. Manning," began the Irishman, "I think you feel that I admire and respect you. I am a lonely man. I asked Jim if I could ask you to marry me, earlier in the evening. He said, No! No one should take his father's place. I told him you and I had lived through too much to dream of falling in love again, but that old age was a lonely thing. I need you and when Jim finishes school and goes, you'll need me, Mrs. Manning. I can send Jim through college and give him a right start. Will you marry me, say in a day or two, without any fuss, Mrs. Manning?"
The little widow's face was flushed. "What made you change, Jim?" she exclaimed. "I couldn't love anyone but your father."
Jim nodded. "I didn't realize then that my work would take me away from you. You know a man's job is very important, Mama. I want to get someone to take care of you while I build bridges, for I've got to build them. I can send you money but I want a man to be looking out for you."
Mr. Dennis' eyes twinkled but he waited.
"It's only a year since your father died. I never could care for anyone else," said Mrs. Manning.