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All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

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ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR. 289<br />

years <strong>of</strong> age. You shall have Claire's answer<br />

—from Claire's own lips, not from m<strong>in</strong>e—when<br />

you are twenty-four. I do not tell you to go<br />

away and see her no more for tliat space <strong>of</strong><br />

time : I do not ask you to desist from your<br />

visits, my dear young friends. I could not<br />

th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>flict<strong>in</strong>g so gi*eat a pa<strong>in</strong> upon myself<br />

as to see you no more all this time. Whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

you go or whe<strong>the</strong>r you stay, ask aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>three</strong><br />

years' time, if you are <strong>the</strong>n <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same m<strong>in</strong>d.<br />

Claii'e, meantime, will wait. It will be well if<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g this time you do not—lie<strong>in</strong>?—talk <strong>of</strong><br />

love—make eyes <strong>of</strong> sheep. You will very<br />

likely forget her. You will go away and forget<br />

lier. You are young. Youth is <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong><br />

hasty loves and quick forgett<strong>in</strong>g.'<br />

' Oh ! oh !<br />

' <strong>the</strong>y all protested.<br />

'Aga<strong>in</strong>, by <strong>the</strong> time you are twenty-four<br />

you will possibly be more awakened to <strong>the</strong><br />

bless<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> a doi^ and may repent <strong>of</strong> an en-<br />

gagement with a penniless girl.'<br />

' Oh ! oh !<br />

' <strong>the</strong>y all protested.<br />

' You live, gentlemen, <strong>in</strong> a village where<br />

VOL. I. f

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