Billy’s eyes darkened. “I—I—see.”
“Would it have been the fault of the apple if it had become later a dented, spotted thing with decay setting in before it had really ripened?”
“No.” He writhed inwardly at the conclusions forced upon him.
“Remember, Billy, every girl is like an apple slowly ripening toward womanhood.”
The room was very still, and they stood together, Billy’s arm close about her waist, looking out upon the distant shimmering lake. At length she lifted her head suddenly and spoke with a singular passion.
“My boy, the love relation between a man and a woman is the holiest one on earth. It may begin in passion, but if true, it ends in a constant devotion that opens the door of heaven. Since this is God’s way of keeping his race going it is blasphemy to speak or even think coarsely of it, or to enter upon it except devoutly. If there is one relation in life that should be given preparation, almost I would say that should be entered upon with prayer and fasting, it is that by which you shall become responsible for the welfare of future beings, your children.”
She was trembling, and Billy knew now that she understood him; that even if she did not know the one he loved, she knew the fact. He could not deceive her, nor did he wish it. He felt relieved that she knew, though he could not bring himself to speak of it. He thought it was because he must not let any one intrude on Erminie’s privacy, but the reason lay deeper than that, deeper than he could then know.
The dinner was brought in. He had forgotten his hurry; but now it returned, and he hastened his meal and excused himself to go to the rally.
He went round by Erminie’s home. He wished to ask her of the situation Bess had described. He was sure she could clear up everything that troubled him, sure she could defend her course no matter how it might look to others. Perhaps she really disbelieved in politics for girls; if so, she had a right to her opinion.
Yet why had she openly assisted the school bully? That was as much a political move as the other, and not so frank; more, it was exceedingly unpopular. She could not be associated with Jim in any matter, and hold the goodwill of the best girls in school.