couraged again. Jim is so
foolish; he gets exalted and depressed on the slightest provocation.
Perhaps I was like that once, but it was long ago.

"Well, she knows I am here; do you suppose I would have come if she
objected? Make what you can out of that.--You needn't make too much of
it either: go slow, now. You see she doesn't like to be thwarted in her
benevolent plans; and you were a wild man, to be reclaimed and
civilized. Instead of submitting like a decent savage, you broke loose
all at once, and left her to feel that she had done you harm instead of
good. You are the only fellow who ever gave her any trouble: I can't see
how you had the cheek to do it. Why, man, you have got to learn manners
if you want to associate with that kind. She could do better than you
any day; but a wilful woman must have her way, and a gentleman usually
lets her have it.--Now there you go again. I didn't say what her way
might be in this case, did I? How should I know what she wants of you?
Probably just to smooth you down, and be friends, and see you behave.
The other supposition, as you said last night, is too wildly impossible.
You ought to be glad to meet her on any terms she may choose to make,
and thankful and proud to undergo any penance of her imposing, after
your conduct, and the annoyance it has caused her and all of us. Most
women, in her place, would let you stay in the woods and eat your heart
out. Perhaps she will yet; you needn't look so pleased. All I know is
that you owe her reparation. You ought to go on your knees from here to
the avenue, even if you have to come back on foot."

"You have gained in insight since August, Bob. You express my views with
accuracy--though one can hardly talk of these matters to another man. I
always honored you for holding Her in such esteem. But practically, what
am I to do?"

"That is not easy to say, James: it can hardly be plain sailing. If
women were not more forgiving than we, bless their little hearts, you
would have no chance to do anything. And the finer grain they are of,
the more embarrassing it becomes; with her sort it is peculiarly
difficult. I know, from long and trying experience; I have to mind my
p's and q's, I tell you. If you had taken up with one of these farmers'
daughters, as you nearly led me to believe last night--there's nothing
to get mad about--it would have been much simpler and easier for you. If
it were that other man, I should say to him, Write to the lad