While no definite plans had
been made, there had been endless assumption. Many times they
had talked of the home they would make together. When he reached
the point where he decided that he never had loved Marian as a
man should love the woman he marries, he felt justified in
turning to Eileen, but in his heart he knew that if he had been
the man he was pleased to consider himself, he would have gone to
Marian Thorne and explained, thereby keeping her friendship,
while he now knew that he must have earned her contempt.
The day at Riverside had been an enigma he could not solve.
Eileen was gay to a degree that was almost boisterous. She had
attracted attention and comment which no well-bred woman would
have done.
The growing discontent in John's soul had increased under Linda's
direct attack. He had known Linda since she was four years old
and had been responsible for some of her education. He had been
a large influence in teaching Linda from childhood to be a good
sport, to be sure she was right and then go ahead, and if she
hurt herself in the going, to rub the bruise, but to keep her
path.
A thing patent to the eye of every man who turned an appraising
look upon Linda always had been one of steadfast loyalty. You
could depend upon her. She was the counterpart of her father;
and Doctor Strong had been loved by other men. Wherever he had
gone he had been surrounded. His figure had been one that
attracted attention.
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