Please don't make me go, father. I'd rather not.
I'm afraid of him. Since that last time I'm afraid. I'd rather not."
"The child is well nigh sick with it all," said Mrs. Edwards, sitting
down by her and soothingly drawing the head of the agitated girl to
her shoulder, which set her to sobbing. It was evident that the
constant apprehensions of the past several weeks as well as her
virtual imprisonment within doors, had not only whitened her cheek but
affected her nervous tone.
Edwards paced to and fro with knitted brow. Finally he said:
"I will by no means constrain your will in this matter, Desire. I do
not understand all your woman's megrims, but your mother shall not
again reproach me with willingness to secure protection to my temporal
interests at the cost of your peace and quiet. You need not go to this
husking. No doubt I shall be able to bear whatever the Lord sends,"
and he went out.
Soon after, Desire ceased sobbing and raised her head from her
mother's shoulder. "Mother," she said, "did you ever hear of a maiden
placed in such a case as mine?"
"No, my child. It is a new sort of affliction, and of a strange
nature. I scarcely have confidence to advise you as to your duty.
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